Career
Carlson played in the World Hockey Association with the Minnesota Fighting Saints, Edmonton Oilers and New England Whalers, and in the National Hockey League for the Minnesota North Stars and Saint Louis Blues. Carlson"s brothers Steve and Jeff are also former professional hockey players, and famous for roles in the movie Slap Shot as two of the Hanson Brothers. Carlson was originally supposed to play the third brother.
However, he was called up by the Edmonton Oilers just prior to shooting and was replaced by Dave Hanson.
Carlson is a currently an acting referee and linesman for the Twin Cities American Heart Association Hockey League. Selected by Detroit Red Wings, 7th Round, #117 overall, 1974 National Hockey League Amateur Draft.
Selected by Minnesota Fighting Saints, 9th round, #132 overall 1974 WHA Amateur Draft. Signed as a free agent by Edmonton (WHA) after Minnesota (WHA) franchise folded, March 10, 1976.
Claimed by Calgary (WHA) from Edmonton in 1976 WHA Intra-League Draft, June, 1976.
Rights traded to Minnesota by Detroit for future considerations, July 27, 1978. Traded to Minnesota by New England (WHA) for future considerations, February 1, 1979. Missed entire 1979-1980 season recovering from back surgery.
Claimed by Saint Louis from Minnesota in Waiver Draft, October 4, 1982.
Signed as a free agent by Minnesota, November, 1986.