Ryan Carter played college hockey at Iona College from 1998 to 2002. He was a dominant scorer, becoming the program’s all-time leader in goals with 93 and ranking sixth in points with 179. In his senior campaign, he recorded 43 points on 18 goals and 25 assists in 33 games, which earned him a top-ten nomination for the Hobey Baker Award. He was also a four-time All-MAAC First Team selection and helped lead the Gaels to a MAAC Hockey League championship final appearance in 2000.

After his collegiate career, Carter signed as an undrafted free agent and went on to a long professional career. He played parts of ten seasons in the NHL with the Anaheim Ducks, Carolina Hurricanes, Florida Panthers, New Jersey Devils, and Minnesota Wild. Carter’s career highlight was winning the Stanley Cup with the Ducks in 2007. He was known for his physical, gritty style of play and was a valuable depth forward and penalty killer. He also represented Team USA at the 2010 World Championships.