From Buffalo State to the pros: Former Buffalo State goaltender Kevin Carr (2010-14) signed a professional tryout contract with the Vancouver Canucks on Sept. 13.

While at Buffalo State, Carr earned many school records such as career wins (45), shutouts (9), saves (3,225) and save percentage (.921). Adding to his resume, Carr has the second-lowest goals against average for the Bengals (2.67).

He assisted in getting Buffalo State to three consecutive SUNYAC semifinal matches in his 2012-14 campaigns.

“It’s pretty special,” Carr said of the tryout. “I’m just very grateful for the opportunity. I can’t thank everyone enough who’s helped me get to where I am now.”

Post-Buffalo State, Carr signed with the Peoria Rivermen of the Southern Professional Hockey League. He then went to the Canucks ECHL affiliate, the Alaska Aces. However, the Tulsa Oilers of the Winnipeg Jets grabbed him.

Though the traveling could seem like a hassle, Carr sees the positives in it. One being the experience.

“Especially coming from a small town in Toronto, seeing different places in the world is always a special thing,” Carr said. “The fact that hockey has given me the opportunity to see those things is unbelievable. It’s always excited to go somewhere new and meet some new people and network yourself.”

The former Bengal tallied 51 wins while allowing only 2.56 goals-against per game. His performance was enough to give him a shot with the Canucks.

Training camp is Sept. 22-26 for in Whistler, B.C.

“I think (Buffalo State) helped me grow as a person,” Carr said, “and as well as a hockey player. The college was a great experience for me. Four years at Buff State was probably the best thing that could ever happen to me.”

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