ENGLEWOOD, Colo. — It was quite a year for head coach David Carle of the University of Denver. Entering his eighth season as bench boss, the expectations were high, as always for him and the program. After a disappointing loss to Cornell in the first round last year, the Pioneers were determined to reclaim the title.
There were many challenges along the way. Not only would Carle be starting seven freshmen at one time. Even the starting goaltender, Matt Davis, would be out with an injury for nine games. This would allow freshman Freddie Halyk to step in and take the role for a short time. The Colorado Avalanche even invited Davis to their development camp over the summer. “He played well and I think obviously his performance turned a lot of heads at the Frozen Four and through the end of our season,” Carle said. “So great for him.”
Team USA
While the season was in a full run, Carle would leave the squad for the honor of being the head coach of Team USA in the World Junior Championships. And 20 years after his brother Matt won it, head coach Carle would win it himself.
“I think we won six now, since that first one,” Carle said about the program. “And so the growth of the game in our country is because of expansion by the NHL in the western and southern markets. The player count of players playing in the USA, playing in the United States is highest of any country in the world, and so I think just to be a part of that, I just envisioned myself as a kid from Alaska, and to have an opportunity to represent our country on that stage. It’s as good as it gets for a hockey player, and just really proud of the guys that we were able to come together and win a championship for our country.”
Working together
In the past years, the Avalanche and Pioneers have reached an understanding. With players like Paul Stastny, Logan O’Connor and now Sean Behrens, all going from DU to the Avalanche. “I’m not sure if it’s strategic or planned by any way, but I think it’s certainly good to be aligned,” Carle said. “And we love the relationship that we’ve had with them obviously, going back to Paul and then into Logan and now Sean Behrens and Tory [Pitner] and Jake [Fisher] drafted by them this summer. It’s a great opportunity to continue that relationship.” Carle was a coach at last year’s development camp. The hockey highway connection continues to be strong.
Conclusion
The Pioneers will look to defend the national championship in a strong NCHC conference this season. The Pioneers will carry a bigger target on their back. Every team has improved and Carle thinks that North Dakota, Minnesota-Duluth and Colorado College have even gotten better. Either way, DU looks to add to the trophy case next spring and bring everyone some exciting hockey along the way.