Eagles Captain Brad Hunt Is Leading by Example
Dec 11, 2023
By: Kate Moloney
From winning an Olympic Gold Medal to being named Colorado Eagles captain for the 2023-24 season, Brad Hunt can do it all.
Hunt has had an impressive career to date, playing in both the American Hockey League and the National Hockey League. After going undrafted, Hunt signed an amateur tryout contract with the Chicago Wolves, where he spent his first two seasons. He continued to work hard and prove his talent when he was called up to Edmonton Oilers. After playing for nine different teams across the AHL and NHL, Hunt eventually signed a two-year contract with the Avalanche in 2022.
Hunt ended the 2022-23 season with the Eagles, having notched seven goals, 14 assists, and 21 points. He was named to the 2023 AHL All-Star Classic, which marked his sixth time receiving AHL All-Star Honors. This season, Hunt has already produced five goals, seven assists, and 11 points in his first 17 games, putting him on pace to surpass his totals from last season.
Hunt, now in his 13th season, understands his responsibility to help the younger guys on the team. "I think being an older guy and using my experience to help other guys through situations that they have never been through, or just answering any questions that anybody asks, is important," he explained. As Hunt has the most diverse experience out of the other players, his leadership style has changed over the years. “I have picked up things that I have liked or disliked that have helped me grow. My experience has been wonderful, and I want to use my experience to help the others,” he concluded.
As captain, Hunt is recognized for maintaining a happy attitude regardless of the outcome of the game. His main goal as captain is to “lead the young guys in the right direction and hopefully they have a lot of fun.” As the Eagles made roster changes during the offseason, Hunt welcomed each player with open arms. Hunt expressed, “Hockey is such a great sport where everyone is welcome right away, and we are a big family in there, and every time there is a new guy, they are instantly a part of the family.”
On May 5, 2023, Hunt was named to Canada men’s national ice hockey team where he recorded three assists in ten games. Hunt ended up helping Team Canada to capture a Gold Medal at the 2023 Winter Olympics. “It was an awesome experience, and I will remember it for a lifetime.” Hunt was amazed that during his career he would be able to play in the Olympics. With a large smile on his face, he added, "Winning the gold was incredible."
As Hunt has played numerous seasons in the NHL during his career, his goal this season is to prove his talent once again and be called up to the Avalanche. However, as captain of the Eagles, he stated, “I just want to get better and help guys have a great experience, because it is a great place to play.” As Hunt is determined to help every player improve their performance, he is looking forward to the rest of the 72-game season and hopes to win the Calder Cup with the amazing team they have.
He would also like to bring a championship to the Colorado Eagles’ fans, who bring the energy at Blue Arena and make home games so enjoyable for the players. When asked for his message to the Eagles faithful, “We love it here, and you make it such a great place to play and keep going. You guys are the best fans ever.”
