Thursday, October 14, 2010
Carle Recounts Frozen Four Experience
Matt Carle played at the University of Denver from 2004-06, winning the Hobey Baker Award as the top hockey college player after his junior year in 2006. He has extensive knowledge of the Frozen Four as he helped lead the Pioneers to the NCAA Championship as a freshman and sophomore. He played his first two full seasons for the San Jose Sharks before being traded to the Tampa Bay Lightning prior to the start of the 2008-09 season. After playing just 12 games for the Lightning, he was traded to the Flyers where he has played ever since. Carle was one of the Flyers’ top defenseman a season ago as they made a run to the Stanley Cup finals.
Q: What are your thoughts of the Frozen Four coming to Philadelphia?
Philadelphia has a very long history of supporting hockey with the Flyers. It is a very sports-oriented town and they are very passionate about their hometown teams and sports in general. I think the fans in Philadelphia will really come out and support the Frozen Four.
Q: What are your thoughts of the Wells Fargo Center where the games will be played?
It is a great building typical of a new stadium. It is definitely right up there with the best in the league. When the fans get going there is nothing like it. It is a first class venue and will be a great host for the Frozen Four. The building also has one of the better ice surfaces in the league. The crew does a very good job with it and at that time of the year it will be great.
Q: Tell us about your experience of playing in the Frozen Four.
It was such a great experience playing in the Frozen Four. There is so much on the line knowing you are one of only four teams in all of college hockey that is still playing. There were obviously sellout crowds so playing in front of that type of atmosphere and winning two national titles was great and something I will remember the rest of my life.
Q: Where should fans visit when they come to town?
The people of Philadelphia take a lot of pride in living there. It’s the birthplace of America so you have to go to the historical places such as Independence Hall and the Liberty Bell. Another place people should try and go to is the Walnut Street where they have some nice shops and restaurants.
Q: Obviously you can’t go to Philadelphia and not get a cheesesteak, so let’s get right down to it ? Pat’s or Geno’s?
Whichever one has the shortest line. You can’t go wrong with either.
Q: What about your favorite restaurant?
Del Frisco’s Steakhouse. It is in an old bank. It has great food with a great atmosphere that still has the vault in it and a cool wine cellar.
Q: Give us a place for fans to watch the games who are not be able to get tickets.
Chickie’s and Pete’s. It is not far from the arena and has a lot of televisions.