June 21, 2008
Younger Carle's Career Over
CHN Staff Report
Denver recruit David Carle has retired from competitive hockey after doctors discovered a heart abnormality. The condition, known as hypertrophic cardiomyopathy — or thickening of the heart — can cause sudden cardiac death if there is too much exertion.
Carle is the younger brother of Denver's 2006 Hobey Baker Award winner, Matt Carle. David Carle was expected to be drafted today by the NHL, but withdrew his name from consideration once doctors discovered his condition.
Carle also informed Denver coach George Gwozdecky that he would not be able to play. Gwozdecky told Carle that he would honor his scholarship, and make him part of the team.
In an article in the Anchorage Daily News, Gwozdecky praised Carle's character for handling the situation as well as he has.
"Not only are we morally and ethically obliged (to fulfill the scholarship), but we have established, and we try to establish, strong relationships with our student-athletes,'' Gwozdecky told the paper. "And we have had that relationship with the Carles for a long time because of Matt.
"David is such a unique guy. We feel so frustrated for him because a big part of his hockey life has ended. But whether it's hockey or not, we want to support him. It was the least we could do in a very difficult time for David and his family."
Carle got an EKG at the NHL's scouting combine, which is where an abnormality was first detected. He went to the Mayo Clinic in Minnesota for more tests.
Carle said a nurse was the first to inform him that the news wasn't good.
"The nurse, I could tell it was hard for him," Carle said to the ADN. "After he left, I just lost it and had a good cry. ... The doctor came in, and I was pretty shell-shocked at first. After a few hours passed, you can step back and evaluate it, and move forward.
"I'm really quite fortunate they were able to find it. I've still got a long life ahead of me. I have a lot to look forward to and a lot of opportunities ahead of me."
Carle, who played the last three seasons at Shattuck St. Mary's prep school, was ranked 60th among North American skaters by the NHL's Central Scouting Service.
huh...he just got drafted by Tampa Bay...what the ****?
Jun 21 2008, 2:10 pm by prettygurl, montreal
Tampa drafted him at the behest of their new ownership - a nice touch to repay the kid for the years of hard work he put into hockey.
Jun 21 2008, 4:59 pm by MB, NYC
He sounds like a stand up guy. best wishes to him.
Jun 21 2008, 10:06 pm by jonb seattle
He should have a Microvolt t-wave alternans test run to determine if he is or is not a candidate for an implantable defibbralator
Jun 22 2008, 12:10 am by
Certainly a sad bit of immediate news. He will survive the loss of the great sport of hockey, and hopefully live a long fruitful life. Kudos to the Denver organization. Certainly one of the classiest moves ever.....
Jun 22 2008, 2:24 pm by Viking1; Valhalla Az
