After leading the University of Denver men’s ice hockey team to the national championship last season, head coach David Carle on Tuesday was rewarded with a contract extension through the 2026-27 season.
“My family and I are thrilled to be staying in Denver for the foreseeable future,” Carle said in a news release.
Carle, 32, has guided the Pioneers to an 86-43-13 record since taking over for Jim Montgomery in 2018. During his tenure, DU has reached the NCAA Frozen Four twice and last year’s run gives Denver an NCAA record-tying nine national titles. The Pioneers finished with a 31-9-1 record last season en route to the championship.
“Being entrusted to lead this historic program is a tremendous responsibility and honor,” Carle said in a news release. “Our staff and players are excited to build upon the many accomplishments we have achieved together in recent years. We remain steadfast in our pursuit of excelling in the classroom and winning on the ice, and we can’t wait to defend our championship this upcoming season.”
Outside of a short stint with the Green Bay Gamblers of the USHL, Carle has been with DU since he was in college.
Carle was recruited as a defenseman to play under George Gwozdecky, but a rare heart condition ended his playing career. Gwozdecky honored his scholarship, making him a student-assistant with the team from 2008-12. After serving briefly as an assistant coach in Green Bay, he returned to the Pioneers to serve as a full-time assistant under Montgomery.
“David Carle represents the impressive values of Denver Hockey, and I’m thankful for not only inheriting such an intelligent and hardworking head coach but for the work of Vice Chancellor Karlton Creech and University leadership before my arrival to facilitate this contract extension,” Josh Berlo, vice chancellor for athletics and Ritchie Center operations, said in a news release. “The 2022 Men’s Ice Hockey National Championship added another legacy marker to an already storied program. I’ve had the chance to get to know David over the years and admire the way that he leads this elite program.”
