Carter Jordan is a hockey player on the move.

A Fort Collins native, Jordan spent the 2020-21 season with the USPHL’s Richmond Generals and posted 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) in 40 games.

His play caught the eye of the staff at Wilkes University, an NCAA Division III school in Wilkes-Barre, Pa., and earlier this month, Jordan committed to the school for the 2021-22 season.

“My opportunity with Wilkes began with my coach in Richmond, RC Lyke, talking to me about Wilkes and their interest in me,” Jordan said. “They reached out to me right before Christmas break, and I had a great conversation with Coach (Ryan) Secor. As the season went on, I kept in contact with Coach (Tyler) Hynes, the head coach, and one thing led to another.

“Wilkes appeals to me because of how fast they grew their hockey program and how successful it has become. The coaching staff is young and very mindful of key things that make a team successful. I toured Wilkes and the campus was beautiful. They also had a great education path for the degree I plan to study (Mechanical Engineering).”

Hynes said he is excited that Jordan is set to play at Wilkes.

“We are thrilled about Carter’s decision to attend Wilkes University,” said Hynes. “Carter is a high-character leader who we feel will embrace and enhance our culture. Coach Lyke is a trusted resource with a proven track record of developing high-end collegiate talent. We feel Carter will bring a unique blend of toughness and skill to our lineup. “

Jordan, a 2001 birth year, said he’s heading to school in 2022 with a great feeling about the hockey team.

“This year, I played against Jack Perna with the Carolina Jr. Hurricanes, and he is a goalie who is also committed to Wilkes for next season,” explained Jordan. “I also met players when visiting the college and attending practice. They were currently injured and sat with me while watching practice. The guys were great and helped inform me more on what a day is like as a Colonel.”

Playing in Richmond this season helped Jordan gain that extra edge needed to elevate his game to be college hockey ready.

“My time in Richmond helped me transform my game to the next level,” said Jordan. “Each teammate I had there helped push me every day to get better, and we also had a blast while doing so. Coach Lyke and the rest of the coaching staff helped develop my game by guiding me in the right direction and pushing me every day to chase after my dreams of playing college hockey.”

Growing up in Northern Colorado, Jordan caught the hockey bug early in his life.

“I started playing hockey in my hometown of Fort Collins at the age of four,” Jordan said. “My oldest brother had just started, and we also began to go to the Colorado Eagles games when they were in the CHL (now in the AHL). I always loved watching the games, and I dreamed of playing in front of people like that.”

Once on the ice, Jordan played for the NCYH Jr. Eagles before moving to AAA with the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders for his 15U season. He played with the RoughRiders through his 18U season in 2019-20 before heading to Richmond.

“Coach Rhett Gordon at NCYH has been involved in my hockey life since I was young and to this day still helps me train,” Jordan said. “Coach Doug Smail and Greg Vanover at the RoughRiders both helped solidify my foundation and healthy habits to take the next level. These coaches all have helped me grow and love the game.”

Looking ahead to next season now that Richmond’s season is in the books, Jordan has one eye on the ice and the other on academics.

“My short-term goals for hockey are to have a standout season next season as well as my freshman year to really get myself ready to, hopefully, create a career in hockey,” said Jordan. “I am studying mechanical engineering and hope to use that in my future as well.”

— Matt Mackinder

(April 15, 2021)