Carson Briere: Hockey Career, Controversy & Latest Updates

carson briere hockey career controversy latest updates

Carson Brière has had a long and winding hockey career, filled with early promise, tough setbacks, and a fresh start overseas.

Many people know his name because of his famous hockey father, Daniel Brière, but Carson has built his own path through junior leagues, college hockey, and now professional teams in Europe.

This blog takes a close look at his full story in a clear and honest way. We will cover his background, stats, teams he has played for, his skill ratings, and how his career developed from youth hockey to the present.

You’ll also get a closer look at the 2023 incident, the public reaction, and where he is today. By the end, you will have a full picture of Carson Brière’s hockey career and future.

Carson Brière Stats, Teams, and Player Profile (2025)

Detail Information
Full Name Carson Briere
Birth Year 1999
Age 26 years old
Height/Weight 5’11” / 170 lbs
Position Center/Right Wing
Shoots Right
Father Daniel Brière (Flyers GM, former NHL star)
Nationality American/Canadian (dual citizen)

Carson comes from a hockey family. His father played 17 seasons in the NHL and was known for his playoff performances. Growing up around professional hockey gave Carson unique opportunities and insights into the game.

He started playing youth hockey in Switzerland and the United States, eventually making his way through junior leagues and into college hockey.

After his time at Mercyhurst ended abruptly, Carson moved to Europe to continue playing professionally.

His career shows determination to keep pursuing hockey despite the setbacks he faced. Let’s look at the details of his career path and statistics.

Career Stats Summary

Carson has played across multiple leagues throughout his career:

  • NCAA (Mercyhurst): 75 games, 14 goals, 16 assists, 30 points
  • NAHL (Johnstown Tomahawks): Strong junior career with solid point production
  • BCHL (Trail Smoke Eaters): Continued development in Canadian junior hockey
  • AlpsHL (KHL Sisak): Breakout season in European hockey
  • Germany (EC Peiting): Currently playing in Germany’s third division

His best statistical season came in the AlpsHL, where he showed the scoring touch that reminded scouts why they watched him in the first place.

Teams Carson Brière Has Played For

North American Teams:

  • Mercyhurst Lakers (NCAA) – Played three seasons before suspension
  • Johnstown Tomahawks (NAHL) – Junior hockey development
  • Trail Smoke Eaters (BCHL) – Canadian junior experience

European Teams:

  • Neuilly-sur-Marne (France) – First professional experience overseas
  • KHL Sisak (AlpsHL) – Strong performance in Croatia-based league
  • EC Peiting (Germany) – Current team in the German third division

Skill Ratings

Based on scouting reports, here’s how Carson rates in key hockey skills:

  • Agility: 14/20 (Good mobility on ice)
  • Puck Handling: 14/20 (Solid stick skills)
  • Shooting Accuracy: 14/20 (Reliable shot)
  • Acceleration: 13/20 (Decent speed)

These ratings show Carson as a well-rounded player with good fundamentals, though not elite in any particular area.

Early Life and Youth Hockey Development

early life and youth hockey development

Carson’s hockey journey started in Switzerland, where his father was playing professionally. He skated for SC Bern’s youth program before the family moved back to North America.

Once in the United States, Carson played for:

  • Team Comcast AAA program in Pennsylvania
  • St. Augustine Prep, where he became a standout player
  • NAHL’s Johnstown Tomahawks, where he really developed his game

His youth career showed promise, and college programs took notice. Mercyhurst University offered him a spot on its Division I hockey team.

NCAA Career at Mercyhurst (2020–2023)

Carson spent three seasons with the Mercyhurst Lakers before the March 2023 incident ended his college career. During his time there:

Season Highlights:

  • Played 75 total games
  • Scored 14 goals
  • Added 16 assists for 30 total points
  • Served as a depth forward who contributed when called upon

While he wasn’t the team’s leading scorer, Carson was a reliable player who understood his role. Coaches appreciated his work ethic and hockey IQ. His college career was progressing normally until the incident changed everything.

European Hockey Career (2023–2025)

After leaving Mercyhurst, Carson made the decision to continue his hockey career in Europe. This move gave him a fresh start away from the intense media attention in North America.

His European Journey:

France (2023): Carson started with Neuilly-sur-Marne in a French league. This was his introduction to European professional hockey, where the style of play differs from that in North America.

Croatia/AlpsHL (2024): His breakout came with KHL Sisak in the AlpsHL. The league features teams from several countries, including Croatia, Austria, Slovenia, and Italy. Carson found success here, putting up better offensive numbers and regaining confidence.

Germany (2024-2025): Currently, Carson plays for EC Peiting in Germany’s third division. While not a top-tier league, it’s competitive hockey that allows him to develop and potentially move up to higher levels.

The European experience has been valuable for Carson’s development. The different styles of play, cultural experiences, and chance to mature away from the spotlight have all been important parts of his career.

What Happened With Carson Brière?

what happened With carson brière (1)

The incident that brought Carson Briere into the spotlight happened on March 11, 2023, at Sullivan’s Pub in Erie, Pennsylvania.

A video captured Carson pushing an unoccupied wheelchair down a flight of stairs at the bar. The wheelchair belonged to a double amputee who was at the establishment that night.

The video quickly went viral across social media platforms, sparking outrage from the public and the disability community.

People were shocked by the disrespectful behavior, and the incident became a major news story covered by ESPN, USA Today, and local Philadelphia news outlets.

Here’s What Happened Next:

  • Mercyhurst University immediately suspended Carson from the hockey team
  • The university later removed him from the team entirely
  • Erie police investigated the incident
  • Carson faced criminal charges for his actions
  • He was placed on probation and entered an Accelerated Rehabilitative Disposition (ARD) program
  • The program is designed for first-time offenders and involves supervision and community service

The legal consequences meant Carson had to complete certain requirements to avoid a permanent criminal record. The incident not only affected his college career but also raised questions about his character and future in professional hockey.

Was Carson Briere Charged?

Yes, Carson Briere faced criminal charges related to the wheelchair incident. He was charged with criminal mischief and disorderly conduct.

As part of his sentence, he entered the ARD program, which typically includes probation, community service, and sometimes counseling or education programs.

Daniel Brière’s Public Apology (Flyers GM Response)

Carson’s father, Daniel Briere, who had just become the General Manager of the Philadelphia Flyers, faced intense pressure to respond to his son’s actions. Daniel issued a public statement calling his son’s behavior “inexcusable.”

Daniel Briere acknowledged the seriousness of the incident and expressed disappointment. As a respected figure in the NHL community, his response was closely watched by hockey fans and media.

The situation put Daniel in a difficult position, balancing his role as a father with his responsibilities as the GM of a major NHL franchise.

The incident became a talking point in NHL circles, with many discussing how the actions of family members can affect public figures.
Despite the controversy, Daniel Briere has continued in his role with the Flyers, while Carson has worked to rebuild his reputation.

Did Carson Brière Apologize? Here’s His Statement

Carson Briere did issue a public apology for his actions. He acknowledged that what he did was wrong and showed disrespect to people with disabilities. His apology expressed remorse for the incident and the hurt it caused.

However, public reaction to the apology was mixed. Some people felt it was genuine, while others believed it came too late or wasn’t enough to make up for his actions.

The victim and disability advocacy groups emphasized that the incident highlighted larger issues about respect and inclusion.

The apology influenced Carson’s legal case and his hockey career efforts, showing responsibility, a key factor for courts and teams when considering second chances.

Where Is Carson Brière Now?

As of 2025, Carson Briere continues to play professional hockey with EC Peiting in Germany. He’s 26 years old and working to build his career in European leagues.

Current Status:

  • Actively playing in Germany’s third division
  • Posting decent statistics for his team
  • Keeping a lower social media profile
  • Focused on hockey and moving forward from past mistakes

Public opinion about Carson remains divided. Some people believe everyone deserves a second chance and credit him for continuing to work hard. Others feel the wheelchair incident was too serious to overlook and remain critical of him.

Future Outlook

Carson’s path forward in hockey isn’t certain. He could potentially move up to higher European leagues if he performs well.

However, a return to North American professional hockey seems unlikely given the continued attention around the 2023 incident.

What’s clear is that Carson is committed to playing the sport he grew up with.

Whether he can rebuild his reputation and advance his career depends on his continued performance, maturity, and how he carries himself moving forward.

Wrapping Up

Carson Brière’s story shows how complicated a young athlete’s path can be. His career has had mistakes, changes, and chances to grow, but it has also shown real effort to keep moving forward.

From youth hockey to college and now playing in Europe, his career continues to develop in a different direction than many expected.

While opinions about him may differ, his focus on improving his game and rebuilding his reputation is clear.

What happens next will depend on his performance, maturity, and the opportunities he can earn. For anyone following his career, it will be interesting to see where he goes from here.

For more player profiles and sports updates, check out our next posts!

Behind the Article

Ethan Clark

Ethan Clark is a sports features writer who focuses on athlete profiles, career timelines, and verified personal background context. He has a Master’s in Sports Management and a certification in sports communication & PR, which helps him interpret public statements, team updates, and reputable reporting without drifting into rumor. Ethan specializes in covering performance, injuries, training updates, and public-facing milestones, while staying careful around personal topics and relying on credible sources.

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