The Cape Cod Whalers are proud to announce that U18 Goalie Kamden Carkner has committed to Middlebury to continue his academic and athletic career. At Middlebury, he will join an illustrious list of Whaler Alum including Zach Milton, Eric Jeremiah, Mike Fahie, Mike griffin, Nick Resor, and many more. A four-year Whaler, Kam has started in over 65 games throughout his Whaler career, including allowing just 1.98 GAA over his past two seasons. Kam has also been no stranger to prep success, being one of the top goalies in the region this prep season. 

Kam has been a stalwart throughout his time in net with the Whalers, starting with COVID 2020 fall season, where he suited up in almost every game, posting a .911 save percentage with a 12-6-2 record for the 15O Whalers. This success continued over his next few seasons with the Whalers, remaining a consistent, steady presence for the ‘05 age group throughout his time in the program. When asked about his play, Coach Brian Gibbons stated “Kam was a rock for us all season long. He gave us a chance to win every game even when we weren’t at our best in front of him. He was rewarded for his hard work in practice as he continued to improve throughout the season. His positioning was fantastic and he made even the difficult saves look easy. His poise and confidence in the net are exactly what you want from your goalie. Kam is a great kid and I am very happy for him. He has earned it.”

Kam has transitioned that success into his prep season with St. Sebastian’s, sitting in the top ten in GAA across all over NE Prep. While leading the Arrows to the cusp of a potential playoff berth, Kam has a .920 save percentage and a 2.06 GAA. When asked about his play Kam’s goalie Coach Clay Adams added “He started working with me about 7 years ago and always brought a focused energy to his training. He was self-aware of his flaws and assets and worked tirelessly to improve. He has made big steps to earn this opportunity and I am excited for his career to continue at Middlebury.”

Evan Zhang & Kam Carkner

Kam will join fellow U18 Goalie Evan Zhang in the NCAA ranks, with Evan recently committing to play for Harvard this upcoming fall.

Rick Coan, Whalers Exec. Director noted “It’s very rare for a goalie to be able to step right into the NCAA ranks. For so many, the path requires 2+ years in Juniors. It is even more of a rarity for goalie teammates to be afforded this opportunity.”

“The Whalers have been so fortunate to have such great young men for the past 4 seasons. Additionally, the Carkner & Zhang families have been so supportive of their sons, the team and the organization.”