Top All-Time Moments in Colorado Eagles History

Eagles announce dates for 2024-25 Season Opening Weekend

Eagles return for their 22nd season to Blue Arena on October 11 & 12, 2024.

Elevating the Tradition, Aaron Schneekloth is Named Head Coach

Eagles welcome back a familiar face as the new head coach, as well as upgrades and new naming and pouring rights for the arena.

Other notable events in the 2023-24 season:

• July 6, 2023, Aaron Schneekloth is named Head Coach
• August 1, 2023, Steve Konowalchuk named Associate Head Coach
• Eagles Country both celebrates and bids farewell to the Budweiser Events Center namesake and pouring rights while welcoming a brand new identity complete with upgrades to the building including new seats and a fresh look throughout
• October 1, 2023 Blue Federal Credit Union officially takes over the naming rights of the arena, now known as Blue Arena
• October 1, 2023 High Country Beverage officially takes over the pouring rights of the arena
• Forward Riley Tufte represents Colorado Eagles in 2024 AHL All-Star Classic
• Brad Hunt presented with AHL 2023-24 IOA/American Specialty Man of the Year for Colorado Eagles
• Brad Hunt named to the 2023-24 AHL All-Star, First Team
• Eagles fans raised over $130,000 for Cooper Logan (AKA DJ Lil' Coop) during the annual Pot of Gold game on March 16, 2024
• April 6, 2024 Voice of the Eagles, Kevin McGlue and 99.9 The Point with Townsquare Media win the Colorado Broadcasters Association's "Station of the Year" and "Best Sports Coverage by an Individual"
• After a striking season of sellouts in 2022-23, the Eagles continued their sellout streak in the 2023-24 season selling out 36 of all 36 regular-season home games and all 3 consecutive playoff games to amass a total of 39 sellouts, extending the total streak to 82 consecutive sellouts *including playoffs (total also includes 40 games from 2022-23, and 3 games from the end of 2021-22 post-season play)
• 2024 Playoff appearance, the Eagles have never missed a playoff appearance since their inception
• 8th season as Colorado Avalanche affiliate
• Overall Record: 40-25-5-2
• Record - Home: 22-11-2-1
• Record - Road: 18-14-3-1
• Finished 4th in the Pacific Division
• 14 Eagles players appeared in both Eagles and Avalanche sweaters

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Meet the Coach Island Party RecapEagles Owner Martin Lind Excited for New ChapterSchneekloth Returns to the HelmRegular-Season Stats

A Memorable 20th Anniversary Season is Played

Eagles celebrate 20 years of hockey and hope to build off of the momentum from their NHL Affiliate the Colorado Avalanche and their 2022 Stanley Cup Championship.

Other notable events in the 2022-23 season:

• Voice of the Eagles, Kevin McGlue calls his 1000th game
• Forward Jean-Luc Foudy represents Colorado Eagles at 2023 AHL All-Star Classic as a replacement for Defenseman Brad Hunt who was called up to the NHL affiliate, Colorado Avalanche
• Ryan Wagner presented with AHL 2022-23 IOA/American Specialty Man of the Year for Colorado Eagles
• Eagles fans raised over $121,000 for sisters Kennedy and Kinley Harrison during the annual Pot of Gold game on March 4, 2023
• 36 of all 36 regular-season home games were sold out and all 4 consecutive playoff games were sold out for a total of 40 games
• 2023 Playoff appearance, the Eagles have never missed a playoff appearance since their inception
• 7th season as Colorado Avalanche affiliate
• 20th anniversary season
• Overall Record: 40-22-7-3
• Record - Home: 22-8-3-3
• Record - Road: 18-14-4-0
• Finished 3rd in the Pacific Division
• 16 Eagles players appeared in both Eagles and Avalanche sweaters

Related Media:

Thank You, Eagles Country20th Anniversary JerseyRegular-Season Stats

Eagles Celebrate the Ryan Bach at Helm and Return of Fans in the Building

Fans are welcomed back into the building for the first time after COVID-19, and Ryan Bach steps into a new role and takes over the helm as President for the Eagles.

Other notable events in the 2021-22 season:

• Ryan Bach named Colorado Eagles President and Alternate Governor as announced at the game on January 21, 2022
• Eagles Fans raised over $115,000 for Jayce Vogel during the annual Pot of Gold game on March 19, 2022
• Eagles shatter playoff records with iconic 10-1 win over the Ontario Reign in Round 2, Game 1 on May 11, 2022
• Jordan Gross "Eddie Shore Award" AHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman
• Jordan Gross First Team AHL All-Star
• Kiefer Sherwood Second Team AHL All-Star
• Kevin McGlue presented with AHL 2021-22 IOA/American Specialty Person of the Year Award for Colorado Eagles 
• Executive Vice President, Gavin Riches presented with Ken McKenzie Award
• 2022 Playoff appearance, the Eagles have never missed a playoff appearance since their inception
• 6th season as Colorado Avalanche affiliate
• NHL Affiliate Colorado Avalanche win NHL championship and become 2022 Stanley Cup Champions

Related Media:

Colorado Eagles name Ryan Bach new President and Alternate GovernorRegular-Season Stats

Hockey Legend and Colorado Eagles Founder, Ralph Backstrom Passes Away on February 7, 2021 at Age 83

With the passing of Colorado Eagles Founder and Hockey Legend, Ralph Backstrom, the Eagles begin the season on a difficult note. However, despite challenges to the schedule and logistics related to COVID-19, and the lack of fans in the building, Eagles go on to play a condensed but successful season.

Other notable events in the 2020-21 season:

• February 7, 2021 Ralph Backstrom passes away at the age of 83
• General Manager Chris Stewart steps down for retirement
• Eagles played an abbreviated season beginning on February 24, 2021 with no fans in the building
• T.J. Tynan AHL Most Valuable Player
• Brent Woodside, ATC NASM-PES presented with Yanick Dupre Award
• 2021 Playoff Tournament appearance, the Eagles have never missed a playoff appearance since their inception
• 5th season as Colorado Avalanche affiliate

Related Media:

Ralph Backstrom Tribute

A Promising Season Ends Abruptly on March 12, 2020

A promising season ends abruptly on March 12, 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, forcing the Eagles to find new and meaningful ways to connect with their fans and communities without games.

Other notable events in the 2019-20 season:

• Jacob MacDonald AHL All-Star team
• Season ended due to COVID-19 on March 12, 2020
• 2020 Playoffs canceled
• 4th season as Colorado Avalanche affiliate

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Eagles Join the AHL

Eagles join the American Hockey League and play their inaugural first AHL game on October 5, 2018.

Other notable events in the 2018-19 season:

• Greg Cronin served as Head Coach through the end of the 2022-23 season
• #23 (Aaron Schneekloth, 2006-2013) is retired on March 22, 2019
• #27 (Brad Williamson, 2003-2008) is retired on March 22, 2019
• 16th consecutive playoff appearance
• 3rd season as Colorado Avalanche affiliate

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Eagles Win ECHL Championship

Eagles win the second of two back-to-back ECHL championships during Round 4, Game 5 in Estero, Florida versus the Florida Everblades to become the 2018 Kelly Cup Champions.

Other notable events in the 2017-18 season:

• 2018 Western Conference Champions
• 2017-18 West Division Champions
• Matt Register ECHL Defenseman of the Year
• Michael Joly Kelly Cup Playoffs MVP
• Iconic pre-game brawl on May 13, 2018 versus the Fort Wayne Komets at the Budweiser Events Center during Round 3, Game 7 of the Conference Finals
• Memorable Round 3, Game 7 Conference Final win against the Fort Wayne Komets at the Budweiser Events Center on May 23, 2018
• Departure from the ECHL occurs after the last game of the season
• 15th consecutive playoff appearance
• 2nd season as Colorado Avalanche affiliate
• 15th anniversary season

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Eagles Win ECHL Championship

Text: Eagles win the first of two back-to-back ECHL championships under 1st-year rookie Head Coach Aaron Schneekloth during Round 4, Game 4 in North Charleston, South Carolina versus the South Carolina Stingrays to become the 2017 Kelly Cup Champions.

Other notable events in the 2016-17 season:

• 2017 Western Conference Champions
• Aaron Schneekloth named Head Coach, 1st Rookie Head Coach to win an ECHL Championship since 1990
• Former forward, Ryan Tobler debuts as Colorado Eagles Assistant Coach
• Michael Sdao fights Jon Puskar in the penalty box on February 25, 2017
• Memorable game tying goal with 2 seconds left to lead to an OT win against the South Carolina Stingrays in Round 4, Game 2 of the Finals on May 28, 2017
• Matt Register ECHL Defenseman of the Year, Kelly Cup Playoffs MVP
• Chris Stewart ECHL G.M. of the Year
• 2016-17 ECHL Marketing Team of the Year
• Eagles announce affiliation agreement with the Colorado Avalanche on July 20, 2016
• 1st season as Colorado Avalanche affiliate
• 14th consecutive playoff appearance

Related Media:

Head Coach Chris Stewart Coaches his 1000th Career Pro Game, Steps Down from Coaching

Mr. 1000, Head Coach Chris Stewart coaches his 1000th career pro game on March 6, 2016 and steps down from coaching at the conclusion of the season.

Other notable events in the 2015-16 season:

• 2015-16 West Division Champions
• Iconic goalie fight between Colorado Eagles, Kris Lazaruk and Florida Everglades, Anthony Peters on November 28, 2015
• 13th consecutive playoff appearance

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Jerseys are Retired for Nelson and Tobler

2014-15 season kicks off on October 25, 2014 against Utah Grizzlies, a team that would later become an ECHL affiliate to the Colorado Eagles.

Other notable events in the 2014-15 season:

• Collin Bowman nominated to the ECHL All-Star Team
• Brett Kulak made NHL debut
• #12 (Riley Nelson, 2003-2014) is retired on December 12, 2014
• #17 (Ryan Tobler, 2003-2010) is retired on March 27, 2015
• Front office wins 2014-15 ECHL Marketing Team of the Year
• Served as the second-tier affiliate to the National Hockey League's Calgary Flames and the American Hockey League's Adirondack Flames
• 12th consecutive playoff appearance

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Aaron Schneekloth Debuts as Assistant Coach

Former defenseman, Aaron Schneekloth debuts as Colorado Eagles Assistant Coach.

Other notable events in the 2013-14 season:

• Head Coach Chris Stewart achieved his 500th professional win (honored on December 13, 2013)
• Eagles played in the longest game in ECHL history on April 29, 2014 during Round 1, Game 6 of the 2014 Playoffs vs. the Idaho Steelheads going essentially 7 periods with 4 OT periods, total game time was 137:18 min., in-game snacks like peanut butter sandwiches had to be prepared
• 11th consecutive playoff appearance

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Eagles Celebrate Their 10th Anniversary Season and Host 2013 ECHL All-Star Game on January 23, 2013

The Eagles host the 2013 ECHL All-Star Game again in a retro format with the Colorado Eagles vs. the 2012-13 ECHL All-Stars.

Other notable events in the 2012-13 season:

• Hosted the 2013 ECHL All-Star Game and festivities, including a Skills competition and Fan Fest
• 10th anniversary season
• 10th consecutive playoff appearance

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Eagles Join the ECHL

Eagles join a new league and promise the same tradition as they play their inaugural first ECHL game on October 14, 2011 with a 5-2 win at Stockton.

Other notable events in the 2011-12 season:

• Kevin Ulanski Voted Winner of ECHL’s Sportsmanship Award
• Aaron Schneekloth Voted ECHL’s Defenseman of the Year
• Chad Costello Voted ECHL MVP
• Served as the second-tier affiliate of the National Hockey League's Winnipeg Jets and the American Hockey League's St. John's IceCaps until the end of the 2012–13 hockey season
• 9th consecutive playoff appearance

Related Media:

New League, Same Tradition

Eagles Surpass $1 Million Dollar Goal to Give Back to Northern Colorado Communities

A philanthropic endeavor is fulfilled as Eagles surpass $1,000,000 benchmark of funds given back to area communities, projects, and organizations in need.

Other notable events in the 2010-11 season:

• Riley Nelson Voted League’s Best Player (peers)
• Riley Nelson Voted CHL MVP
• Memorable Round 3, Game 7 Conference Final win against the Rapid City Rush in Rapid City, South Dakota on May 11, 2011
• Iconic center-ice showdown between Alex Penner "Weapon X" (Colorado Eagles) and Derek Knowles (Missouri Mavericks) on February 2, 2011
• Departure from the CHL occurs after the last game of the season * 8th consecutive playoff appearance
• 2011 Presidents’ Cup Finals appearance

Related Media:

Alex Penner vs Knowles Fight on Feb 2, 2011

Eagles Bring the NHL to the Fans at the Budweiser Events Center

2009-10 season kicks off with a preseason NHL game in the building between the Phoenix Coyotes and the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Other notable events in the 2009-10 season:

• Riley Nelson Voted League’s Best Player (peers)
• Aaron Schneekloth Voted CHL’s Most Outstanding Defenseman
• Kevin Ulanski Voted CHL MVP (hits 109 points)
• Kevin Ulanski Wins CHL Scoring Championship
• #89 (Greg Pankewicz, 2003-2009) is retired on October 16, 2009
• Served as the second-tier affiliate of the National Hockey League's Tampa Bay Lightning
• 7th consecutive playoff appearance

Related Media:

Eagles Host 2009 CHL All-Star Game on January 14, 2009

The Eagles host the 2009 CHL All-Star Game in a retro format with the Colorado Eagles vs. the 2008-09 CHL All-Stars.

Other notable events in the 2008-09 season:

• Kevin McClelland served as Head Coach through end of 2009-10 season
• Riley Nelson Voted League’s Best Player (peers)
• Andrew Penner Voted League’s Best Goaltender (Tie) (peers)
• Aaron Schneekloth Voted CHL’s Most Outstanding Defenseman
• Iconic 1-punch KO fight between Fraser Filipic (Colorado Eagles) and Jean Bourbeau (Odessa Jackalopes) on January 16, 2009
• 6th consecutive playoff appearance
• 2009 Presidents’ Cup Finals appearance

Related Media:

One Punch Knock Out- Fraser Filipic

Eagles Celebrate their 5th Anniversary Season and Break the Minor Pro Hockey Consecutive Sellout Streak Record

Eagles celebrate their 5th anniversary season and break another sellout streak record with 145 games on January 12, 2008.

Other notable events in the 2007-08 season:

• Inspiration Playground Opens (with help of $250,000 donation from the Eagles)
• Broke Minor Pro Hockey Consecutive Sellout Streak Record (145 games)
• Governors’ Cup Champions (Regular Season)
• Appearance in Presidents’ Cup Finals
• Chris Stewart wins “Rick Kozuback” Award (Commitment to Sport/Business of Hockey)
• 2007-08 CHL Franchise of the Year
• A rare EF3 tornado ravages the surrounding communities on May 22, 2008, the office staff takes cover while Video Director, Jerff Lewis documents the event
• 5th consecutive playoff appearance
• 5th anniversary season

Related Media:

Tornado Footage filmed by Jeff Lewis 05/22/2008

Eagles Win CHL Championship

Eagles win the second of two Central Hockey League championships during Round 4, Game 6 on home-ice at the Budweiser Events Center versus the Laredo Bucks to become the 2007 Presidents' Cup Champions.

Other notable events in the 2006-07 season:

• Brad Williamson Voted CHL’s Most Outstanding Defenseman
• Riley Nelson Voted CHL’s Man of the Year
• Greg Pankewicz Voted Playoff MVP
• Ralph Backstrom wins “Soul of Service” Award (Excellence in Customer Service)
• Iconic Fraser Filipic (Colorado Eagles) vs. Graham Dearle (Oklahoma City Blazers) KO fight occurs on April 25, 2007 during Round 2, Game 7 of the 2007 Playoffs
• 4th consecutive playoff appearance

Related Media:

Filipic vs Dearle KO Fight

Eagles Continue Sellout Streak and Break CHL Record

The 2005-06 season kicks off and the Eagles break the CHL record for Consecutive Sellouts with 83 games on January 28, 2006.

Other notable events in the 2005-06 season:

• 2005-06 Governors’ Cup Champions (Regular Season)
• 3rd consecutive playoff appearance

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Eagles Win CHL Championship

Eagles win the first of two Central Hockey League championships during Round 3, Game 5 in Laredo, Texas versus the Laredo Bucks to become the 2005 Presidents' Cup Champions.

Other notable events in the 2004-05 season:

• Greg Pankewicz Voted League’s Best Player (peers)
• Tyler Weiman Voted League’s Best Goaltender (peers)
• Greg Pankewicz Voted CHL MVP
• Tyler Weiman Voted CHL Rookie of the Year
• Tyler Weiman Voted CHL Goaltender of the Year
• Chris Hartsburg Voted Playoff MVP
• 2004-05 Governors’ Cup Champions (Regular Season)
• 2004-05 CHL Franchise of the Year
• 2nd consecutive playoff appearance

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Inaugural CHL Season Home Opener on October 17, 2003 Records First Game and First Goal in Franchise History

During the inaugural season home opener on October 17, 2003 in the Central Hockey League versus the Tulsa Oilers, Riley Nelson scores the first Colorado Eagles goal in franchise history.

Other notable events in the 2003-04 season:

• Hosted a NHL Preseason Game (Panthers vs. Avalanche) at the Budweiser Events Center
• Greg Pankewicz voted League’s Best Player (peers)
• Set Expansion Franchise Record with .711 Winning Percentage
• 1st playoff appearance

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Ralph Backstrom Brings Hockey to Northern Colorado

"Inspired by Ice," Colorado Eagles Founder, Ralph Backstrom brings hockey to Northern Colorado and establishes the Colorado Eagles franchise, construction of the Budweiser Events Center breaks ground in Larimer County (August 26, 2002).

Other notable events:

• Commemorative article "Inspired by Ice," details Ralph Backstrom's journey and decision to bring hockey to Northern Colorado. Blair, Darrell. "Inspired by Ice" Coloradan [Fort Collins], 3 Mar. 2003.
• Budweiser is established at arena for both pouring and naming rights

Related Media:

Inspired By Ice Article