by Adam Wodon/Managing Editor (@chn-adam-wodon)
David Carle just led Team USA to something that’s never been done by Americans before — back-to-back gold medals at the World Junior Championship.
He had help, of course, from an all-star staff that included St. Cloud State’s Brett Larson, Augustana’s Garrett Raboin, and super-assistant coach Steve Miller (currently of Minnesota). Just like he has help from his all-star staff at Denver in winning the two national championships there.
He hates when his age is referenced, and most of the time, he’s right, it’s silly to do so. But in this context it’s worthwhile.
By the age of the 35, Carle has won two national titles and two WJC golds, plus his national championship in 2017 as an assistant under Jim Montgomery. Only four previous coaches in history had won back-to-back golds, including the legendary Soviet Viktor Tikhonov.
His story is already inspiring, of course. It’s old and well-covered news at this point, but a heart condition diagnosed as he was about to enroll at Denver as a player, forced him into this early coaching career. He took it on headlong.
It’s logical, after all of this, to assume that Carle will be headed to the NHL sooner than later. And it’s true that he’s listened when NHL GMs have called.
But, frankly, the NHL needs him more than he needs the NHL.
NHL media is currently frothing at the mouth over this. One went so far to say that he will soon “graduate” to the NHL, a notion that’s both annoying and offensive.
Carle has said he will be very picky about accepting an NHL offer, and rightfully so. He has two young kids, loves Denver, and is in a great spot, both geographically and lifestyle-wise. It will be perfectly sane and reasonable to prefer staying at Denver a long time. For many reasons. This NHL assumption is off base.
It’s not that he won’t. It’s just the assumption that, “oh of course, that’s his next logical step.” As if he needs to do that to validate himself or something. Heck no. Jerry York and Jack Parker didn’t need it. Scott Sandelin didn’t need it. Nate Leaman has resisted that temptation. They’re fine.
I had a Bruins fan write to me, all excited that the team’s brass would soon be pulling him. This is just one example, of course, but why would he do that? His friend and mentor Jim Montgomery just got unceremoniously kicked out the door by the Bruins, less than two years after winning the President’s Cup.
It’s not like the Bruins are alone. Is any NHL coaching situation stable? I mean, the organization doesn’t have to be the Pittsburgh Steelers, but they shouldn’t be discarding coaches faster than leftover lunch. I can’t think of an NHL team that doesn’t do this.
Dave Hakstol and David Quinn both made decisions to go to the NHL, and that is perfectly within their right. They made a lot of money, had a couple of good experiences. That is a decision they made that was right for them.
But there’s nothing wrong with carving a legacy in college sports, particularly at a powerhouse like Denver, a beautiful school and great place to raise a family.
I do know this, Carle’s not going to let an outsize ego dictate the decision.
Whatever David Carle ultimately decides, will be entirely up to him. And knowing his ability to make decisions, it will be the right one — for him.
This post was originally published on this site be sure to check out more of their content.