Fighting Elk hockey sees new ownership as Craig community embraces junior level intensity

Andy Bockelman/Craig Press
While the title may have changed hands and the jersey designs changed, Craig’s junior hockey team is no less in fighting shape.
The Colorado Fighting Elk, part of the US Premier Hockey League, was bought by new ownership in late November and has spent the last few weeks updating many facets.
Among the immediate changes are new colors for the Fighting Elk uniforms — with navy blue replaced by forest green as the main color — and a more anthropomorphized titular animal for the logo.

Jessica Binder, who served as president of the previous incarnation Craig Youth Hockey Association, said the new leadership is a welcome change in a year that’s been full of big shifts for the program’s inaugural year in Craig.
“They’re so in it to give back to the kids and make sure they follow their dreams,” Binder said. “Everything has been put in fast-forward, complete rebranding to put their mark on it.”
Mike Lopez out of Arizona is the new owner, and Adam Bonaldi of Las Vegas serves as the new general manager.
Brandon Richardson serves as the new head coach, starting the week of the Elk’s return to their home rink.
“They come with a ton of experience in hockey management and coaching,” Binder said. “They just want to sure junior hockey is done right so they’re developed and well-taught and can move up.”
Leadership with the hockey program have worked to make sure the arena is lively with each home event with an elk bugle blown after goals scored by the home team, as well as fundraiser events and food and beverages.
Travis and Tess Metzker were part of the Friday night action, providing hot sandwiches in the arena. The couple own and operate the mobile unit Chuckwagon Grille, which travels around the Yampa Valley at special events. They typically operate out of the vehicle in the Loudy-Simpson parking lot during hockey games.

“We’re doing kind of more of a pop-up on Fridays here,” Travis said. “Just trying to bring in some good food, support the community and make everybody happy.”
With Colorado Extreme youth games throughout the weekend as well, the Fighting Elk split their first home games of the new year. Friday saw the team fall 5-2 against the Iron County Yeti only to come back victorious Sunday afternoon, 6-4.
The Elk will compete against the Yeti again Sunday, Jan. 19.
While the team has recruited college-aged talent from across the United States and Canada, there remains local athletes on the roster as well.
Craig’s Easton Eckroth notched three assists throughout the weekend.
The 2023 Moffat County High School graduate, who also was big in baseball, also saw some interest from college scouts during a December showcase in Las Vegas.

“I got offers from two different schools,” he said. “It’s a lot of hockey in a couple days, full-game.”
He noted that he has been excited to have the opportunity to continue in the sport beyond high school in his own hometown, improving each week.
“It’s fast-paced, super-competitive, just really good hockey,” Eckroth said. “I started conditioning myself more to get ready and my game has really picked up. Super cool to see all this fan support here.”




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