USA’s David Carle won’t return as World Junior coach in 2026

There will be a changing of the guard when Team USA looks for a three-peat at the 2026 World Junior Championship as David Carle will not return as head coach, Daily Faceoff’s Frank Seravalli has confirmed.

The Denver Pioneers bench boss has guided the American squad to back-to-back gold medal wins at the World Juniors, most recently toppling the Finns at the 2025 affair that saw the Stars and Stripes come away with a 4-3 overtime victory in the decisive game.

Serving as head coach of the Pioneers since 2018-19, Carle has posted a dazzling record of 163-67-5, underscored by national championships in 2022 and 2024. Prior to serving as head coach of the Pioneers, Carle was an assistant with the club for eight seasons. The Anchorage, Alaska native also spent a season as assistant coach of the USHL’s Green Bay Gamblers.

Such credentials make Carle a prime candidate for future head coaching opportunities in the NHL, should he choose to elevate to the pro level and follow in the footsteps of former NCAA bench bosses like St. Louis Blues head coach Jim Montgomery who previously manned the Pioneers bench from 2013-18.

Carle, 35, was originally chosen by the Tampa Bay Lightning in the seventh round of the 2008 NHL Draft before his playing career was cut short due to medical complications. Carle is the brother of former NHL rearguard Matt Carle who played 730 career contests across 12 seasons with the San Jose Sharks, Lightning, Philadelphia Flyers, and Nashville Predators.

In capturing the gold medal at the 2025 World Juniors, it marked the first time Team USA has claimed back-to-back championships. In all, the Americans have finished first place seven times, underscored by three gold medal wins in the past five years. Team USA’s medal count also includes two silvers and seven bronze medal wins.

Tune in to hear more from Carle when the decorated coach joins Seravalli on Friday on the latest episode of Frankly Speaking.