Matt Carle Proud Of USA's "Golden Boyz"

(above) Former DU star Matt Carle is still the only player to have won a World Junior Gold Medal and an NCAA Championship in the same year (2004)

From: Philly Burbs.com

by Wayne Fish

Neither Matt Carle nor Peter Laviolette give the impression they wear their emotions on their sleeve, but both were bursting with pride Tuesday night when the U.S. upset Canada in the World Junior Championship gold medal game.

After blowing a two-goal lead in the final three minutes, the Americans scored in sudden-death overtime for a 6-5 win in Saskatoon.

That goal sent Carle jumping off his couch. The Flyers defenseman won the last previous American WJC gold medal in 2004.

"You get chills up and down your spine just watching those guys celebrate,'' Carle said before Wednesday night's game against Toronto. "I can't remember the last time I was that much into a game, from start to finish.

"I've been following those guys pretty closely. I was real happy for them. There are a couple guys on the team, one goes to Denver University (where Carle played) and another is committed to there.''

In fact, Carle is the first and only player to have won both the World Juniors and the NCAA championship the same year when the DU Pioneers turned the trick later that year.

"I have the cell phone numbers of some of those guys and I sent them a text congratulating them. That's just a huge win for USA hockey,’’ Carle said.

Carle said the 2004 WJC finale, also against Canada, was also a thrilling experience. Canada, led by current Flyers Mike Richards, Jeff Cartere and Braydon Coburn, held a 3-1 lead going into the third period in Finland.

The Americans rallied for a 4-3 win, setting off a wild celebration.

"We had Zach Parise, Ryan Kesler and Ryan Suter and it was a great comeback,'' Carle said.