Ever since he was 3 years old, Carson Kress has been playing hockey at a competitive level. Now he is playing through his 15th season and he wants to make it a great one. 

Kress, a senior, began playing hockey after seeing some Penguins games because his aunt and uncle had season tickets. He soon joined a program called the Little Penguins. 

“I loved going to games with (family), and once I started playing I’ve never stopped,” Kress said. 

Kress was involved with other hockey programs until he was about 14. He has been playing for the Predators club team and the Highlanders school team since he was 15 years old.

Kress has been juggling school life with two hockey teams for years. He said it has not been too much of a challenge for him. 

“It just gets hard with school and hockey sometimes. Not as much with the two hockey teams — it’s more of getting my school work done, and over the years it has gotten easier for me,” he said. 

Kress has six points — two goals and four assists — in seven games this season.

He gives a lot of credit to his family, but most importantly his father, who is also his role model.

“He’s always been there for me when I needed him,” Kress said. “He always pushes me to do my best and never doubts me.”

Senior Dominic Trimbur has been playing with Kress for three years and feels he is one of the team’s top players.

“He really understands the game and knows how to get the team fired up when we are down or before a big game,” he said.

Trimbur recalled how, after a tough loss, Carson was the first one to pick the team and keep their spirits high to get the next game.

“His attitude is amazing,” he said. “He goes into every game like it is his last and plays with confidence.”

Junior Joey Stanick has only played with Kress for about a year, but sees how he holds himself to a high standard and plays intensely every game.

“He really has shown me what it is like to be a good player and teammate,” Stanick said.

Kress hopes to join the Ontario Junior Hockey League and earn a scholarship through that program.

“You have to get invited,” he said. “I haven’t been yet, but that is still my plan.” 

His backup plan is to major in physical therapy. 

“I’ve had multiple injuries and I have had to go to rehab, and it has always interested me how everything works … and the bonds they make with that person,” he said.