Another Hobey Baker Man Takes His Chances

Recent history says Matt Carle has a 50/50 chance of a productive NHL career.

Carle won the Hobey Baker Award Friday night as the outstanding player in American college hockey. He was available for the banquet because the San Jose Sharks had the night off.

Carle's NCAA career, which included two national championships, wrapped up a couple of weeks ago when the University of Denver was eliminated from regional playdowns. He immediately signed with San Jose, where he's playing about 15 minutes per game on the blue line. He has two goals and an assist in six games.

Among the Hobey Baker winners of the last decade are Jordan Leopold (Calgary), Ryan Miller (Buffalo), Brendan Morrison (Vancouver), and Chris Drury (Buffalo). The list also includes Jason Krog (Vastra Frolunda), Mike Mottau (Peoria), Junior Lessard (Iowa), and Brian Bonin (out of hockey).