Carter Camper

Carter Camper
Carter Camper
Born	July 6, 1988 (age 38); Rocky River, Ohio, United States
Occupation	Professional ice hockey forward
Years active	2010–present
Known for	Playing in NHL and AHL; currently with IK Oskarshamn in HockeyAllsvenskan

Carter James Camper (born July 6, 1988) is a professional ice hockey forward from the United States, currently playing for IK Oskarshamn in the HockeyAllsvenskan. Following four seasons competing in NCAA hockey, he signed with the Boston Bruins of the NHL in 2010. Camper’s professional tenure has largely unfolded within the AHL. In February 2014, he was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets, later joining the Ottawa Senators organization as a free agent in July 2014, and subsequently signing with the Washington Capitals in July 2015.

Playing career

During his youth, Camper took part in the 2002 Quebec International Pee-Wee Hockey Tournament representing a Cleveland-based minor hockey team.

College

Camper spent four seasons playing Division I NCAA hockey with the Miami RedHawks in the Central Collegiate Hockey Association. At the time, he was the leading active scorer in collegiate hockey across the United States. In the 2010–11 season, he placed third nationally for assists and points per game, and ranked fourth in total points. Over 156 collegiate contests, Camper amassed 69 goals and 114 assists (183 points), securing second place on Miami’s all-time lists for both points and assists, while tying for seventh in goals scored.

Professional

After completing his college career, Camper signed as an undrafted free agent with the Boston Bruins on April 7, 2011, and was assigned to their AHL affiliate, the Providence Bruins. He made his professional debut during a 5–4 victory over the Portland Pirates. Camper’s NHL debut came on February 22, 2012, when he played for Boston against the St. Louis Blues and logged 6:21 of ice time. He recorded his first NHL goal on February 25, 2012, scoring against Alex Auld of the Ottawa Senators to register his initial NHL point. Following roster adjustments, he returned to Providence on February 27.

Camper was traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets on February 7, 2014, in exchange for Blake Parlett and joined their AHL team, the Springfield Falcons. As a free agent on July 2, 2014, he inked a one-year two-way contract with the Ottawa Senators. One year later, on July 1, 2015, Camper agreed to a similar deal with the Washington Capitals.

Continuing his professional journey, Camper signed a one-year two-way contract with the New Jersey Devils on July 1, 2016. During the 2016–17 season with their AHL affiliate Albany Devils, he contributed 29 assists and totaled 35 points over 47 games.

Following free agency status once again, Camper secured a two-year AHL contract with his hometown squad, the Cleveland Monsters, on July 21, 2017. Leading Cleveland in scoring during the 2017–18 season with 29 assists and 42 points across 53 games, he was traded to the Tucson Roadrunners on February 26, 2018. He maintained an impressive point-per-game pace through season’s end.

On June 25, 2018, Tucson traded Camper to the Grand Rapids Griffins in exchange for future considerations. On July 2, 2019, he signed a one-year contract with the Utica Comets, affiliated with the Vancouver Canucks.

After nine seasons competing in the AHL, Camper transitioned to European hockey by signing a two-year contract with Swedish SHL club Leksands IF on August 7, 2020. In his third campaign (2022–23), he tallied 13 goals and accumulated 27 points over 41 games before moving mid-season to Swiss National League team EV Zug on February 8, 2023.

Personal life

Camper, a native of Rocky River, Ohio, is of Jewish heritage and is the middle child of Rick and Heidi Camper. His eldest brother, Ben, competed in collegiate hockey at Colgate University before embarking on a professional career with the Tulsa Oilers in the Central Hockey League during the 2008–09 season. Another brother, Jay, has experience playing junior hockey with the Alpena (Mich.) Ice Diggers in the North American Hockey League, as well as the Lincoln Stars and Chicago Steel in the United States Hockey League, and he currently represents the University of New Hampshire. The Camper family is one of several from Northeast Ohio known for having multiple members progress to both college and professional levels in hockey.

Carter completed his secondary education at Rocky River High School located in Ohio.

He entered into marriage with Erika Fisher on August 25, 2012.

Career statistics

			Regular season					Playoffs
Season	Team	League	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM	GP	G	A	Pts	PIM
2004–05	Cleveland Jr. Barons	NAHL	54	14	23	37	12	—	—	—	—	—
2005–06	Cleveland Jr. Barons	NAHL	57	31	51	82	26	14	6	15	21	4
2005–06	U.S. National Development Team	USDP	4	4	6	10	0	—	—	—	—	—
2006–07	Lincoln Stars	USHL	56	23	48	71	40	4	1	1	2	2
2007–08	Miami RedHawks	CCHA	33	15	26	41	20	—	—	—	—	—
2008–09	Miami RedHawks	CCHA	40	20	22	42	24	—	—	—

Awards and honors

Award	Year
College
All-CCHA Rookie Team	2007–08
All-CCHA First Team	2008–09
AHCA West Second-Team All-American	2008–09
All-CCHA First Team	2010–11
AHCA West Second-Team All-American	2010–11

External links