A few weeks have passed since Owen Sound Attack goalie Carter George stepped between the pipes for Team White at the CHL Kubota Top Prospects Game. While most of his peers were prepping for their high school exams, George was boarding a plane to Moncton to join 39 of the best players in the CHL for a showcase game before a packed arena, a full complement of NHL scouts and National media. One of 4 goalies invited to the Top Prospects game, George has plenty of eyes on him heading into the 2024 NHL Draft this spring in Las Vegas. After letting Carter finish up his exams, we caught up with him for a few thoughts on the Top Prospects experience and his goals for the rest of the OHL season.

Tell us a bit about how you found out you were invited to the game?
It was after our last home game before Christmas break. Colby Barlow pulled me aside after the game.  He said ‘Congrats kid you’re going to the Top Prospects Game’. When he said that, I got super excited. It meant a lot to find out from a guy like him who’s been there and experienced it last year, so I thought that was super special.

Were you nervous, excited or both about going? What did you first think/feel?
Definitely lots of excitement. I was excited to see guys from the other leagues and guys from the other conference that you do get to see much. I was very excited to be up against the best players in the CHL. I had some nerves for-sure, but it was the good kind of nerves.

Did you know many of the guys before you arrived? 
Yeah, I knew lots of guys from playing with them in the Hlinka Gretzky Cup last summer. I also got to meet a lot of new guys, which I enjoyed.

What was it like trying to come together as a team in that short amount of time?
It’s tough obviously playing with new guys in only a short period of time can be difficult, but I thought our team handled it very well and came together by gametime.

How much different is it playing net against the 40 best players in the country? Obviously it’s not the same as a regular season game. You don’t get your pre-scout and know what players tendencies are, so you’re not sure what to expect. At the end of the day, I just have to find ways to stop the puck and keep it out of the net.

Who had the toughest shot you faced?
Tij Iginla had the best shot for sure. It was such a quick release and it was hard too. He was able to pick his corners. 

What did it feel like to skate out into that sold-out crowd and an arena full of scouts and agents with the game also being broadcast nationally and take the net for the first period and a half?
It was incredible. To come out to a crowd like that in a big arena was awesome. I loved playing in front of them. I tried to take in as much as possible because it’s a once in a lifetime experience. 

What was the coolest thing about the week that most folks wouldn’t know?
I thought the coolest thing was to be able to see the best players in the CHL up close and see the little things they do like superstitions or their tendencies or even just their skill and to watch them up close.

You’re back with the Attack now after a good showing there and an incredible mid-season draft ranking. What’s your focus and your mindset now and for the rest of the season? 
Obviously our main goal is to get some wins here and make the playoffs. From there, we hope to do some damage. Our minds are set on one thing only and that’s an OHL championship.