Alexandra Carpenter Bio
Alexandra “Alex” Carpenter is an American professional ice hockey forward for the Seattle Torrent of the Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) and the American national team. Widely recognized as one of the top players in women’s hockey, Carpenter won the Patty Kazmaier Award as the best player in NCAA in 2015 and holds numerous Boston College scoring records. She has represented the United States in multiple Winter Olympics and World Championships, earning silver medals at the 2014 and 2022 Olympics and gold medals at the World Championships in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2019. She was named Best Forward at the 2024 IIHF World Championship where she tied for the tournament lead in scoring.
Early Life and Background
Born in North Reading, Massachusetts, Alexandra Carpenter is the oldest child and only daughter of Julie Carpenter, a former competitive figure skater, and Bobby Carpenter, a former National Hockey League (NHL) player. She has two younger brothers, Robert and Brendan. The family relocated multiple times during Carpenter’s childhood to accommodate her father’s NHL career, including moves to Morristown, New Jersey, and Albany, New York. By the time Carpenter reached high school age, the family settled permanently in North Reading, recognizing the toll that frequent moves had taken on other NHL families. Her father built backyard ice rinks at each of their homes, creating a central gathering place for the Carpenter children, where they enjoyed late-night skating sessions.
Despite being immersed in a hockey environment, Carpenter initially played soccer and did not take up hockey until the age of seven, which was considered late by hockey family standards. Bobby Carpenter intentionally did not pressure his children to play hockey, believing that if the child doesn’t want to do it, they’re not going to be good at it. Once Carpenter began playing, her father provided extensive mentorship, often picking her up from school and bringing her to the team’s practice facility for personalized training sessions focused on skating and puck control. Carpenter played youth hockey with the Valley Jr. Warriors alongside her brother, often being the only girl on the ice.
Path to Hockey
At nine years old, Carpenter competed in the Polar Bears Tournament in Connecticut, where she demonstrated exceptional ability against older players, leading her father to recognize her potential for elite-level play. Inspired by watching the 2002 Winter Olympics, Carpenter aspired to compete at that level herself. In the fall of 2007, she joined The Governor’s Academy in Byfield, Massachusetts, where she played for their varsity team starting at age 13. Over four years, she totaled 239 goals and 427 points in 100 games, being named team MVP in each season and captaining the team as a senior.
On July 22, 2010, Carpenter committed to play college ice hockey at Boston College, choosing the school over others due to her experience playing alongside BC students at the international level and her respect for Eagles coach Katie King. In her freshman year at Boston College, she led the Eagles in scoring with 39 points, becoming the first freshman to do so since 2006. Carpenter’s college career was marked by numerous accolades, including being named Hockey East player of the year and winning the Patty Kazmaier Award in her junior year.
Alexandra Carpenter Career
Early Career (2011-2016)
Carpenter began her professional career in the National Women’s Hockey League (NWHL) after her college tenure. She was the first player selected in the NWHL’s inaugural draft by the New York Riveters but opted to return to Boston College for her senior season. After her graduation in 2016, she signed a one-year contract with the Boston Pride, making her the highest-paid player from her draft class. In her first season, Carpenter made an immediate impact, recording 29 points in 17 regular season games and finishing as the league’s second-highest scorer.
Breakthrough (2016-2021)
Following her season in the NWHL, Carpenter registered for the 2017 Canadian Women’s Hockey League (CWHL) Draft and was selected by the Shenzhen-based Kunlun Red Star. She signed with the team after being cut from the United States Olympic team for the 2018 Winter Olympics. Carpenter served as captain for the Shenzhen KRS Vanke Rays during the 2020-21 season, recording 29 goals and 55 points in 28 games.
Notable Works and Milestones
Carpenter’s career is highlighted by her participation in multiple international competitions, including the Olympics and World Championships. She has earned silver medals at the 2014 and 2022 Olympics and gold medals at the World Championships in 2013, 2015, 2016, and 2019. She was named Best Forward at the 2024 IIHF World Championship, where she tied for the tournament lead in scoring.
Alexandra Carpenter Award Nominations
Throughout her career, Alexandra Carpenter has received several nominations for her outstanding performance in women’s hockey, particularly during her time in college and international play.
Alexandra Carpenter Awards Won
Carpenter has won numerous awards, including the Patty Kazmaier Award in 2015, recognizing her as the best player in NCAA women’s ice hockey. She has also been honored with multiple gold medals at the World Championships and has been recognized as Best Forward at various tournaments.
Alexandra Carpenter Family
Carpenter is engaged to Steph Klein, an assistant equipment manager with the Toronto Marlies. She is the oldest daughter of former NHL player Bobby Carpenter, who played 18 seasons in the league.
Personal Life
Carpenter is an out member of the LGBTQ community and has been open about her experiences and identity. She has a passion for sports beyond hockey, having played baseball and softball during her youth, and was the first girl to play in the Morristown, New Jersey Little League in 25 years.
