He could still be playing midget hockey, not just this year, but next season as well, but Karter McNarland has clearly shown that he can play with the big boys.
The 16-year-old Saskatoon product has not only earned a spot on the Humboldt Broncos’ roster, but the 5-foot-11, 165-pound forward has been a productive addition having collected nine points in his first 10 games at the Junior “A” level.
In fact, as the season moves on he is being even more productive as McNarland has at least one point in six of the last seven Broncos’ games entering a busy Thanksgiving long weekend.
His success shouldn’t be all that surprising as a 65-point season in 23 games during his final Bantam AA campaign got him selected by the Broncos in the first round (eighth overall) of the 2018 bantam draft. The Western Hockey League’s Kamloops Blazers also took note of his exploits picking him in the seventh round of their annual lottery of bantam-aged players that same year.
Prior to making the move to Humboldt, McNarland spent one season with the Saskatoon Contacts of the Saskatchewan Midget AAA Hockey League where he registered 35 points in 44 games. He also had a pair of assists in three playoff games showing even at a young age he can be looked upon to play a key role in a variety of situations.
His adjustment to the higher level will undoubtedly leave McNarland with a decision to make in the future – move up to the WHL or maintain his status with the Broncos for education opportunities – but for now he is settling in nicely on a team that is loaded with young talent.