Denver's Matt Carle Wins 2006 Hobey Baker Memorial Award

Alaska native is first Pioneer to win college hockey's top honor.

Denver's Matt Carle is the Winner of the 2006 Hobey Baker Memorial Award.

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April 7, 2006

MILWAUKEE, Wis. - The 26th winner of the Hobey Baker Memorial Award is University of Denver junior defenseman Matt Carle, the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Executive Committee announced today at Bradley Center.

Carle, a native of Anchorage, Alaska, is the first Denver player to win college hockey's most prestigious individual honor and the fifth defenseman, the first since Minnesota's Jordan Leopold in 2002. Carle edged fellow Hobey Hat Trick finalists Chris Collins, a forward from Boston College, and Brian Elliott, a goaltender from Wisconsin.

The Hobey Baker Award, named for the legendary Princeton hockey player who died in World War I, recognizes strength of character both on and off the ice. Carle was selected from a group of 10 finalists by the votes of a 25-member selection committee, along with the results of Vote for Hobey, an online fan ballot.

Carle became the first player in WCHA history to be voted both the league's Player of the Year and Defensive Player of the Year. A first-team All-WCHA selection for the second year in a row, Carle leads the nation in assists (42) and leads all NCAA defensemen in points (53). In conference games he led the WCHA in assists and finished second in points. Carle, who was named the National Player of the Year by InsideCollegeHockey.com and USCHO.com, was a member of the 2004 and 2005 NCAA championship teams at Denver and was a co-captain of the Pioneers this year.

At the conclusion of his college season, Carle signed with the NHL's San Jose Sharks. He scored two goals in his first three NHL games.

A real estate and construction management major, Carle carries a 3.30 grade-point average and was a WCHA All-Academic Team honoree. He participates annually in the "Skate with the Pioneers" event for terminally ill children, and has volunteered at the Alaska Food Drive and a holiday children's charity drive.

The Hobey Baker Memorial Award is celebrating its 26th season of honoring college hockey's top player. Carle will be honored at the Hobey Baker Memorial Award Banquet on May 11 at 317 On Rice Park in St. Paul, Minn.