April 11, 2022
Forget 32, His Focus is 9 and 10
by Adam Wodon/Managing Editor (@CHN_AdamWodon)
(photo: Matt Dewkett)
BOSTON Some of the non-college hockey media spent time at the Frozen Four asking Denver coach David Carle about his age (32).
For Carle, and those who follow the team regularly, it’s old news, well-worn territory.
Carle was more concerned about a different number — 9.
Every coach wants to win a national championship, of course. For David Carle, this one meant just a little more. It was the ninth national championship for Denver, tying the program with Michigan for most all-time. Michigan won its last one in 1998. Denver has won four since then to close the gap.
But this wasn’t about just bragging rights. Getting to 9 means everything to Carle.
When Carle was at his lowest point, Denver gave him a new life. It took care of him in a way other places may not have.
And when Carle was just a 28-year old assistant coach, Denver gave him an opportunity to be head coach, also something that may not have happened elsewhere.
“That responsibility does not fall on me lightly,” Carle said. “I owe a lot of what I have in my life to the university. And this program is very special, it means the world to me. Our alumni group is very tight. And it certainly was a goal to get to nine.
“The ultimate goal is to be the first one to get to 10, I will tell you. Winning Thursday against Michigan, the team at nine, was a huge step in that direction. And obviously (winning the championship) is an even bigger step. I’m so thankful and blessed to be where I work, to be part of the staff I’m part of, for the people who believe in me, and obviously to our players to get this accomplished is an unbelievable achievement and we’re all so proud to be Denver Pioneers today.”
It’s been well-documented, but worth repeating for those who may not know, that Carle was diagnosed when a heart condition when he was 18 years old — right when he was on the precipice of an NCAA playing career, and possibly a pro one to follow. He was about to play for Denver, right on the heels of his brother, Matt, who won two national championships in three seasons with the Pioneers before heading to the NHL.
The diagnosis stopped everything in its tracks. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a genetic condition that causes thickening of the heart muscle wall. That leads to obstructed blood flow, and in many cases,…
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