Before playing in the NHL, Carle played parts of 2 seasons with the US National Team Development Program, 1 season with the River City Lancers of the United States Hockey League (USHL), and 3 years of college hockey with the University of Denver Pioneers. During his time with the Pioneers, Carle won the Hobey Baker Award in 2006 for being the top National Collegiate Athletic Association men's ice hockey player. He was also the only junior defenseman in history to win the award.