16 Consecutive Post Season Appearances: What Makes Northern Colorado So Successful
Apr 16, 2019
Story by Kitt Amundson
Sweet sixteen; often times acknowledged with an expensive gift or large party. Colorado Eagles fans received neither on Saturday night, but they were thrilled none the less. To top off their inaugural season as a member of the American Hockey League (AHL), the Eagles qualified for post season play as they took it down to the wire Saturday night. The Eagles won their last regular season game over the San Jose Barracuda, but that alone was not enough to make the playoffs. They had to wait; and hope that the Tucson Roadrunners lost in regulation play to the San Diego Gulls. If Tucson had anything else but a regulation loss, they would have moved on to post-season play, and the Eagles would be cleaning out their lockers and headed to the links. San Diego held off the Roadrunners, 4-3, thus solidifying the Eagles position in the playoffs.
While many teams would be thrilled to make the playoffs, the Eagles organization and its fans expect nothing less. For sixteen years, the Eagles have advance to post-season play. The did it eight times as a member of the Central Hockey League, and seven times as a member of the ECHL. Saturday night they completed the trifecta, and qualified for post season play in their inaugural season as the AHL affiliate to the Colorado Avalanche.
What is it about Northern Colorado that produces winning hockey? Is it the “rocky mountain spring water”, the fresh clean air at 4,982 feet above sea level or the small town charm? Success starts with an organization that expects the best and nothing more from itself, its staff and its players. Perhaps it is the support and expectation of success of the fans that help make this team successful. A self-fulfilling prophecy if you will. To that end, the organization provides an environment to which players want to come. In addition to top notch facilities, equipment and staff, the beautiful scenery and relaxed lifestyle make Northern Colorado a desirable place to play no matter what League.
The main purpose of the Colorado Eagles is to be the top development hockey club for the Avalanche. In order to develop players, they need to have an opportunity to play. As a result, the Eagles are not really in control of their roster. Players come and go throughout the season. That player movement can easily disrupt the chemistry of the team in the dressing room or on the ice. Good teams are able to deal with it, great teams overcome that challenge. Great teams know that every player has a role to play, and every role is key to the success of the team. Great teams believe that the success of the team is more important than individual accolades.
Colorado Eagles fans are just as devoted to their team’s success. They show up in droves, in their various Eagles sweaters, faces painted and cowbells ringing. They will cheer on their team until they are hoarse whether they are winning by a goal or losing by ten. They will happily harangue the opponent’s goalie or players headed to the penalty box. Many fans have been there supporting this team from the beginning. They have watched them for fifteen seasons and seen them raise four championship trophies. The expectations for a fifth championship, and the chance to raise the Calder Cup are real. It doesn’t matter how you enter the playoffs or what seed you are; post season play is a clean slate. Anything can happen.
