For Sims, hockey is more than just the beginning of an experience; it’s been his key to personal development.

From the thrill of the rink to the whistle of the referee, Sim’s passion for hockey is a journey of both athletic achievement and a seamless transition into officiating. 

Sims has found a unique purpose behind the scenes while staying deeply rooted in the sport he loves.

“I decided to become a hockey player because I just fell in love with the sport,” Sims said. “It is super fascinating and a fast-paced sport. It is one of the hardest sports to play and the most fun I have ever had while playing any sport.”

Skating on ice didn’t always seem like a solid path for Carter Sims, but after several years of training, it has become a fundamental part of his weekly routine. 

“My first experience on ice was back in early 2021 and I had no idea how to skate, so it was a struggle at first, but the coaches helped me get through it,” Sims said. “I’m still not the best skater, because it takes time to get better, but I’m way better than when I first started, and that’s all I can be happy for or wish for.”

Carter’s dedication to the sport was heavily influenced by certain key players. Each jersey number he selects carries a story, often inspired by players he admires.

“My favorite player is Shea Theodore,” Sims said. “He wears the number 27 and that’s what inspires me to wear 27, but Shea Theodore got diagnosed with colon cancer back in 2019. He made it through, [coming back] better than ever, and because of that he’s a person I look up to.”

While for many individuals, sports are simply seen as physical preparation, Carter believes that mental preparation is equally important in a competitive environment. 

“In a high-pressure point in the game where the game might be close, around the third period, it’s easy to have a worried mindset,” Sims said. “Although it’s in the back of your head if you keep that mindset there you’re not going to be able to perform well, stay focused, and keep your head in the game.”  

By familiarizing himself with the game’s rules and strategies, Sims has learned how to better appreciate its nuances. This deeper knowledge enhances his ability to anticipate challenges and devise effective solutions.

“My understanding of the game has been at a very high level ever since I started playing,” Sims said. “I was a referee for the first few seasons and I am currently a referee. So you know, I have to know these rules so it benefits the players but also benefits my team’s knowledge.” 

The shift in focus has allowed Sims to gain valuable experiences beyond the rink. Through officiating, he’s not only developed leadership skills but also had an impact on the people he officiates. 

“Officiating is completely different than playing because you get a whole new perspective on the game and it is a lot of fun, I get to watch little kids play a sport they love and just supervise, it gives you more of a leadership role. I have also gotten the opportunities to officiate in cool places and cool games,” Sims said. “From the Silver Sticks tournament to the Memorial Day Tournaments and officiating games from teams from Alaska and Toronto. I have also gotten the opportunity to officiate youth hockey games at Lee’s Family Forum, and one game at T-Mobile Arena.”

Sims recently dealt with an off-ice injury to his left hand and wrist that affected his performance on the ice. The injury challenged his ability to contribute fully to his team, but he remains determined to pursue his dreams in the sport.

“I got injured off of ice which led to problems on ice.” Sims said. “I had injured my left hand and wrist which led me to not be able to have full potential for my team, I hated every second of it and I felt like a liability out there making me essentially useless.” 

The future is something Sims approaches with a mix of hope and uncertainty. He understands the effort it takes to achieve his dreams and looks forward to making the most of the present before life becomes more serious.

“The future is uncertain because you gotta put in a lot of time and effort and you gotta work for what you want.” Sims said. “It’s a dream of mine to play professional hockey but you don’t know whether that will come true or not, I just hope that I can have fun over the next few years before life gets real.”