You'll be missed

Yes, the sad end of an era for DU as co-captains Senior Gabe Gauthier and Junior Matt Carle leave the program. Both were crucial parts of the two National Championships and they will be missed.

Matt Carle

It was sad to see Matt Carle leave DU a year early, but really what else did he have to prove? Two National Championships and a Hobey Baker in three years is about as good as you can do. He became the first DU player to win the Hobey Baker in the 26-year history of the trophy.

While we have been big fans of numerous other DU players who have left the last five years - Jesse Cook; Chris Paradise; Kelly Popadynetz; Wade Dublewicz; Kevin Doell; Greg Barber; Aaron McEnzie; Adam Berkhoel; Ryan Caldwell; Lukas Dora; Connor James; Kevin Ulanski; Luke Fulghum; Brett Skinner, et al. - simply put, Carle was the best player at DU in the last 20 years.

Also included is the picture of him getting named the Hobey winner. In 10 games with the San Jose Sharks thus far, he has 3 goals and 3 assists. Yes, he can play a little. While the most memorable play was likely the slalom through the North Dakota defense and the pass to Paul Stastny for the third goal in the 2005 National Championship, any night watching the guy was a pleasure.