Despite significant interest from numerous NHL teams, University of Denver head coach David Carle has officially signed a multi-year contract extension to remain with the school, the university announced on Monday.
Carle, who has won two National Championships with the Pioneers, will return for his eighth season leading the program. His successful tenure includes four appearances in the NCAA Frozen Four tournament.
Reports had indicated that Carle was being considered by several professional clubs, particularly with seven head coaching vacancies currently open in the NHL.
In a statement, David Carle expressed his gratitude: “I am honored by the University`s continued support for our hockey program over the past seven years and moving forward. None of our achievements would have been possible without the backing of the university, our fans, alumni, and donors.”
Further highlighting his coaching prowess and potentially fueling NHL speculation, Carle also guided the U.S. team to back-to-back gold medals at the IIHF World Junior Hockey Championships in both 2023 and 2024 – a first for the American program.
The Anchorage, Alaska, native boasts an impressive 179-74-17 record with the Pioneers since being hired at the young age of 28. His career .694 winning percentage stands as the highest in the school`s history.
A number of NHL franchises are presently searching for a new head coach, including the Pittsburgh Penguins, Vancouver Canucks, Philadelphia Flyers, Anaheim Ducks, Boston Bruins, Seattle Kraken, and Chicago Blackhawks. Separately, it was announced on Friday that Mike Sullivan was named the new head coach of the New York Rangers.
