Matt Carle helped elevate the University of Denver hockey program while on ice. Today, he could take it to new heights when the Hobey Baker Memorial Award winner is named at the Frozen Four in Milwaukee.
Carle, who gave up his senior season March 19 to sign with the San Jose Sharks, is looking to become the first Pioneer to win the award as college hockey’s best player.
The 21-year-old defenseman is a Hobey Baker finalist along with Wisconsin junior goalie Brian Elliott and Boston College senior forward Chris Collins.
Carle, who still leads all NCAA players with 42 assists and is No. 1 in scoring among defensemen with 53 points, previously was named Inside College Hockey.com and U.S. College Hockey Online national player of the year.
He is the first player in the history of the Western Collegiate Hockey Association to be named the league’s player of the year and defensive player of the year.
“I’m very honored to receive every award I have received, but at the same time I’m trying to focus on every game I play with the Sharks,” Carle said. “I’m especially honored to be a part of the Hobey Hat Trick (the three finalists). It’s kind of the icing on the cake and a last hurrah here at DU.”
DU coach George Gwoz- decky and his staff will attend today’s ceremony along with Carle, who was scheduled to play Thursday in Los Angeles for the Sharks-Kings game and then travel to Milwaukee this morning. The announcement is scheduled for 5 p.m. and will be carried live by ESPNU.
“Matt has had more of an impact on our program from his freshman year on than any other player that I have ever coached,” Gwozdecky said. “He was an outstanding captain and his contributions to the program will be long-lasting.”
Mike Chambers can be reached at 303-820-5453 or mchambers@denverpost.com.
