Did you hear all the buzz over a new hockey team coming to the Greeley Ice Haus? We did too! With all the news coverage, there’s been a bit of confusion about the specifics.
The Ice Haus isn’t getting a new team; our Northern Colorado Eagles Hockey Team is undergoing some changes. Many of you may already be familiar with the Northern Colorado Eagles (not to confuse with the Colorado Eagles, who play at the Budweiser Event Center). The Northern Colorado Eagles call the Ice Haus home and have been competing for four years at this popular Greeley ice rink.
From Northern Colorado Eagles to The Colorado Grit
The Northern Colorado Eagles Hockey Team is moving to the North American Hockey League (NAHL). Their new name will be the Colorado Grit, a Tier II Junior Hockey team in the South Division, still calling the Ice Haus their home.
When the NAHL announced the team’s membership approval, many believed this meant a second team on the ice. But it’s a revised team name in a new league, not a second team added at this level of play. The Colorado Grit brand will take the place of the Northern Colorado Eagles at the Ice Haus beginning in the fall of 2023.
Key Leadership
The Colorado Grit owners Bob Bowden, David Clarkson (previous NHL player), and Casey Bradshaw (current Junior Eagles owner) have formed a new ownership group called the Colorado Sports Partners, LLC. They have named Steve Haddon the head coach, with David Clarkson acting as the director of player development. The Colorado Grit will be the 31st team in the NAHL and the westernmost team in the league, with players ranging from 16-20 years old. This new partnership brings together years of experience and passion for helping young players succeed in reaching their goals.
The excitement won’t stop, and the competition will still be fierce. Play begins in September for the 2023-2024 season, so support the local team by watching them play. Division rivals include:
- Amarillo Wranglers
- Corpus Christi Ice Rays
- El Paso Rhinos
- Lone Star Brahmas
- Odessa Jackalopes
- New Mexico Ice Wolves
- Shreveport Mudbugs
- Oklahoma Warriors
The Greeley Ice Haus is a state-of-the-art regulation hockey rink with 1,200 spectator seats located at 900 8th Avenue in Greeley. The Ice Haus is also home to the University of Northern Colorado Bears Hockey, an ACHA Division II team.
Article date:
January 30, 2023