LetsGoDU

News, Notes & Reactions to the Hobey Baker Triumph

Matt Carle: (Speaking about the difference between the NHL & College Hockey) "It's a much more controlled game. In college there's the face mask, and there's a lot of running around, and hitting. It's like a kamikaze game, I'm noticing now. In the NHL, there's so much depth and it doesn't seem like teams have any weaknesses. It's a true business, but at the same time, in the end, it's just guys playing hockey."

George Gwozdecky: "His legacy will live on at Denver for a long time."

Puck Swami: "As we celebrate the newest additon to the Pioneer Trophy Case, It must be nice to be Matt Carle. Let's see, two National Championship Rings, one World Junior Gold Medal, a Hobey Baker Award, a two-time first team all-American, a WCHA Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, A two time all-WCHA First Teamer, INCH National Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year, USCHO Player of the Year, An WCHA All-Academic Team selection, a $3 million dollar NHL contract and a goal in your first NHL game, and 3 points in your first six NHL Games, all before you are 22 years old."

Carle: "I was joking with Chris (Conner) and Brian (Elliott), all three of us were glad to finally end with all the hype and I was giving credit to them for how they handled it. Now they're playing in a national championship game."

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DU Teammate Gabe Gauthier: "Carle's offensive ability is the one thing that sets him apart."

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College Hockey News: "It's not supposed to be a cumulative award, but when you think of Carle's career, it's hard to overlook all that he's accomplished. He won two national championships, and this year, became the first player ever to win the WCHA's top offensive and defensive player award in the same season. That all helped him win the honor, despite missing this year's NCAAs."

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Coach Gwozdecky: (On DU's early exit from the playoffs) "To be honest, I was concerned ... for him, that he would drop off the radar," Gwozdecky said. "But he's established himself so strongly across the country and has such a great reputation, that he stayed there."

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Carle: (Talking about his new San Jose teammates) "All those guys were pretty interested, I got a few 'Good lucks' before I left," Carle said. "But I'm sure I'll get some grief. It's all in good fun. I guess I'd rather be taking the grief."

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College Hockey News: "But combine his Alaskan heritage with the fact that his two younger brothers also play hockey, and his parents don't always get a chance to see him play. In fact, his dad, Bob, was not at the Hobey ceremony. He's back in Anchorage with Matt's brother David, who plays at Shattuck St. Mary's and is going on an unofficial visit to Denver."

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CC Forward Joey Crabb: "It's real difficult at both ends of the ice against him. He can shut you down. And once he shuts you down, he can start (the play) the other way and you've got to backcheck him hard and watch him. You can't ever rest as a forward against him."

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Carle: (About the 6 on 3 against Maine) "People ask about that moment a lot. When I look back, I'm still in shock we won. Berky (goalie Adam Berkhoel) made some huge saves. It was the longest minute of my life."

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Coach Gwozdecky: "We're so fortunate to be able to have Matt Carle come to Denver and be a Pioneer for three years. He represented us in such a first-class fashion. Terrific young man, terrific player, terrific student athlete and a great role model not only for his teammates but for young people across the country."

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Carle: "Summer quarter registration starts Monday and I'll be online registering," Carle said.