Carter Sanderson made history at the 2025 NHL Draft, becoming the first South Dakota native ever selected in the NHL Draft.
The Pierre, South Dakota native was selected by the Pittsburgh Penguins in the sixth round, 169th overall, on June 28, 2025. For Sanderson, the historic selection marked another major milestone in a hockey journey that included time with the Sioux Falls Power program.
Sanderson began his hockey journey in his home state, playing for the Oahe Capitals before continuing his development through high school hockey in Minnesota.
He later joined the Sioux Falls Power program, where he continued developing against high-level competition and preparing for the next stages of his hockey career.
His time with Power became an important part of a progression that eventually took him to junior hockey and onto the NHL Draft stage.
Making the Jump to the USHL
After his time with Sioux Falls Power and high school hockey, Sanderson moved into junior hockey with the Muskegon Lumberjacks of the USHL.
During his first USHL season in 2024–25, Sanderson recorded five goals and six assists in 48 regular-season games. He also helped Muskegon capture the Clark Cup, gaining valuable playoff experience along the way.
That season gave Sanderson another opportunity to prove himself against some of the top young players in North American hockey.
Sanderson’s name was called by the Pittsburgh Penguins with the 169th overall pick in the sixth round of the 2025 NHL Draft.
The selection made him the first South Dakota native ever drafted by an NHL team, creating a historic moment for both Sanderson and hockey in his home state.
For Sanderson, the accomplishment was about more than his own journey. He also recognized what the moment could mean for younger hockey players across South Dakota.
His message was simple: professional hockey is possible for young players from the state who are willing to work for it.
Following the draft, Sanderson traveled to Pittsburgh to take part in the Penguins’ prospect development camp.
He planned to return to the Muskegon Lumberjacks for the 2025–26 season while continuing to develop toward his college hockey career at the University of North Dakota.
Another Milestone in the Power Development Pathway
Carter Sanderson’s journey is another example of the development pathway Sioux Falls Power strives to provide its players.
From developing in the Power program to competing in the USHL and ultimately becoming the first South Dakota native selected in the NHL Draft, Sanderson’s path reflects the opportunities available to players who continue to work and progress at each level.
Sioux Falls Power congratulates Carter Sanderson on making South Dakota hockey history and looks forward to following the next chapter of his career.
https://www.dakotanewsnow.com/2025/06/30/being-first-south-dakotan-selected-nhl-draft-an-unreal-cool-feeling-carter-sanderson
