Colorado Hockey Team: Avalanche
David Carle's name has been the sizzling topic in the hormone-charged NHL coaching circuit, but it seems he's taken a cold shower. The heatwave ended when he signed a multiverse agreement to continue his coaching reign at the University of Denver hockey team.
The university kept mum about the contract's specifics, including its duration and monetary aspects, on Monday. Old Chancellor Jeremy Haefner, Chairman John Miller, the Board of Trustees, and Vice Chancellor of Athletics Josh Berlo were part of the secret club.
Carle expressed his gratitude towards them in a statement, stating, "I'm bloody thrilled to bits about your continued support of Denver hockey, helping us maintain our status as numero uno college program in the country. I'm stoked to continue working with our student-athletes, coaches, administration, alumni, supporters, and fans over the coming seasons. Denver is home for me and my family."
Under Carle's leadership in the last seven years, the team won two national championships (in 2022 and 2024) and made it to four Frozen Four appearances. In 2025, they returned to the Frozen Four but lost to Western Michigan in the semifinals. The team also smashed four straight 30-win seasons under Carle's steering wheel.
Carle also masterminded back-to-back gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships for Uncle Sam's first time in history. However, he won't seek a three-peat with Team USA next season.
The NHL has been keeping a keen eye on Carle for a few years now. He's had interviews with numerous NHL teams in the past two years. But with four NHL vacancies and three interim coaches, Carle doesn't seem to be in a hurry to swap academia for the big leagues. He believes the Pioneers program fits snugly in the hockey universe.
Carle is the fourth coach with the most wins in the Pios program history. He's poised to move into third place next season. His record in NCAA Tournament play is the second-best, with a .694 winning percentage.
"We're bloody chuffed to have Carle continue to lead Denver hockey's exceptional legacy," Berlo stated in a statement. "His dedication and passion are second to none, and we can't wait to join hands and add more trophies to our NCAA-record haul of 10 national championships."
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- David Carle, renowned for his coaching expertise in hockey, has agreed to continue his tenure at the University of Denver, foregoing opportunities in the NHL.
- Carle's coaching career at the university has been marked by significant success, including two national championships and four straight 30-win seasons.
- Beyond his accomplishments in sports, Carle also led Team USA to back-to-back gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Championships.
- In the NHL coaching circuit, Carle's name has been a topic of interest, with numerous teams vying for his services. However, Carle seems content with his role at the University of Denver.
- Carle's position in the Pios program places him fourth in terms of win count and second in terms of winning percentage in NCAA Tournament play.
- The university's Vice Chancellor of Athletics, Josh Berlo, expressed his delight at Carle's continued leadership, stating that Carle's dedication and passion are unparalleled.
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