As the new year approaches we’re all ready to celebrate the progress we’ve made over the last 12 months and set our sights on the next set of goals. For the Colorado Eagles, this new year is especially important as they celebrate the organization’s 20th anniversary. First founded in 2003 by hockey legend Ralph Backstrom, the team's success and growth have seemed limitless and are only poised to continue, largely due to the dedication of players and front-office staff who’ve found their hockey home right here in Northern Colorado.
When Ryan Bach first began his stint with the Colorado Eagles, there was no telling where his path might lead. As the first goaltender to play for the team, the opportunity to be a part of building a new franchise was not one every player sees. Since making the team's first stops in 2003, after playing eight seasons of professional hockey before landing with the Eagles, he’s run the gambit regarding positions within the organization. Goaltender, goaltending, assistant, and interim head coach, radio commentator, then finally arriving at his current position as the team’s President and Alternate Governor - Bach is again in a unique situation, celebrating his 20th anniversary with the team alongside the organization celebrating its twentieth birthday. Over his tenure, Bach has seen the team through championships on and off the ice, been part of a league change, and was instrumental in fostering the team's affiliation with the Avalanche.
“I think from day one I’ve been grateful for this Northern Colorado area and this community and how it’s evolved into where the organization is today,” Bach says of the atmosphere that’s kept him so long with the Eagles, a quality organization with a winning culture has allowed him to grow alongside the team. “Where this all started is really an anomaly. Being with the same team for 20 years is really something you don’t see that often in professional sports or professional hockey for that matter.”
Community support is key to the success of any sports organization and the Eagles are no exception. Acknowledging the importance of their community and fans is only a part of the equation, of course, another massive piece of the puzzle is making sure to give back. Whether it’s their Eagles Fight Cancer Weekend, the Teddy Bear Toss Night, or their Valentine's Sweetheart Night, the team partners consistently with local organizations to raise awareness and funds for important causes in our community.
“I think it’s been a part of the fabric of the Colorado Eagles since day one,” Gavin Riches, the Eagles Executive Vice President says of the organization’s culture, “I think it’s really cool to see how it all comes together, it’s total buy-in from everyone.” When the Eagles do something for the community, it’s going to be big and it’s going to be fun, none of that would be possible if everyone involved wasn’t fully committed.
Similar to Bach, Riches has also been with the Eagles for the entirety of their existence, though never in skates and pads. He was finishing his time at Colorado State University when the team first launched in 2003 and worked as an intern in their first season.
“I had a chance to be a part of it from the ground up,” Riches says of the timing. He moved into their corporate development department in his second year with the team, eventually working up to his current role as Executive Vice President.
Looking into the Eagles’ future, it’s clear that more good things are coming. Building through the ranks of professional leagues to now be a part of the American Hockey League, second only to the National Hockey League, and affiliating with the Avalanche provides a direct route for talented young players to reach the NHL and the national spotlight that comes with it. Growing in their presence and connection to the community has also created a loyal fan base that is excited to be a part of the culture. The Avalanche bringing the Stanley Cup back to Colorado last season has also sent echoes up the I-25 corridor, invigorating the team and fans alike. While none of us can predict what the next 20 years will look like, The Colorado Eagles' trajectory continues to point upward and is certain to continue providing top-tier hockey experiences for years to come.