Jeff Carter’s Legacy Celebrated as Greyhounds Retire His Number

Jeff Carter’s illustrious hockey career will be formally recognized when the Soo Greyhounds retire his number 7 during a ceremony at GFL Memorial Gardens on Saturday. This milestone marks a significant moment for Carter, who emerged as a key player for the Greyhounds after being selected third overall in the 2001 OHL draft.

Carter’s journey to Sault Ste. Marie began with uncertainty. As a young player from southern Ontario, he knew little about the northern city. “I didn’t know anything about the Sault,” Carter told The Sault Star. His general manager and head coach, Craig Hartsburg, had faced similar apprehensions over two decades earlier, also drafted by the Greyhounds at No. 3. Hartsburg recalled the trepidation many southern Ontario players felt about moving north.

The Greyhounds’ decision to draft Carter turned out to be fortuitous. Hartsburg emphasized the scouts’ conviction that Carter would not only excel in junior hockey but would also make a mark in the NHL. Over four seasons with the Greyhounds, Carter scored 123 goals and 123 assists in 236 regular-season games. He also captained the team in his final two years and won gold with Canada’s under-20 team in 2005.

In the 2003 NHL Draft, Carter was selected 11th overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in a legendary class that included stars like Marc-Andre Fleury and Eric Staal. His professional career spanned 1,321 NHL games with the Flyers, Columbus Blue Jackets, Los Angeles Kings, and Pittsburgh Penguins, where he tallied 442 goals and 409 assists.

Carter’s success includes winning two Stanley Cups with the Kings and an Olympic gold medal with Team Canada in 2014. His jersey retirement on Saturday will place him alongside Greyhound legends like Wayne Gretzky and Ron Francis in the arena’s rafters.

Carter’s impact on the Greyhounds extended beyond statistics. Hartsburg described him as a “coach’s dream,” highlighting his dedication and ability to absorb coaching. Even as a teenager, Carter displayed a remarkable focus on team success rather than personal accolades.

Kyle Dubas, now the general manager and president of hockey operations for the Penguins, recalled his unique perspective on Carter’s journey. He witnessed Carter’s growth from a nervous 16-year-old to a seasoned veteran. Dubas noted that Carter’s humility and commitment to the team’s success set him apart from his peers.

Carter’s progression through the ranks was not without challenges. The Greyhounds faced significant turmoil during his tenure, including coaching changes and ownership struggles. Despite these obstacles, Carter remained a stabilizing force for the team. “There was a lot going on, and Jeff was a very stabilizing player and force through his four years there,” Dubas said.

The culmination of Carter’s junior career was bittersweet. In his final playoff series, the Greyhounds squandered a 3-0 lead against the Windsor Spitfires, suffering a heartbreaking double-overtime defeat in Game 7. Carter’s performance in that series, which included 18 shots in the decisive game, solidified his reputation as one of the top junior players of his era.

After his junior career concluded, Carter joined the Philadelphia Phantoms, where he excelled in the AHL, leading the playoffs in scoring and helping the team secure the 2005 Calder Cup. His transition to the NHL was seamless, characterized by a remarkable ability to adapt and thrive.

Carter’s career is a testament to resilience and determination. He is one of only two players in NHL history to have been on two teams—Philadelphia in 2010 and Los Angeles in 2014—that overcame a 3-0 series deficit in the playoffs.

As Carter reflects on his journey, he expresses gratitude for the experiences that shaped him. Living in Pittsburgh with his family, he remains involved with hockey, assisting in development camps for the Penguins. He fondly recalls the camaraderie of the locker room and the joys of parenting.

Looking ahead to the number retirement ceremony, Carter expressed a mix of pride and disbelief. “To have my name up there—my family’s name—it’s surreal,” he said. Hartsburg plans to extend a simple yet heartfelt welcome: “Welcome to the club.”

Carter’s legacy as one of the Soo Greyhounds’ all-time greats is secure, and his contributions to the sport will be celebrated for generations to come.