Utah Mammoth Mourns Loss of Utah Grizzles' Kevin Bruder

[ASFN Admin]

You must be registered for see images attach

Before Utah Mammoth existed in Utah, the only source of hockey was with the Utah Grizzles, the in-state ECHL team and current affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche.

So when news broke that Kevin Bruder, the President & CEO of the Utah Grizzlies passed away, it was only appropriate for Utah Mammoth to send its condolences to the Bruder family.

Today, alongside the greater hockey community, we mourn the unexpected and tragic passing of Kevin Bruder. pic.twitter.com/7PbKLLP4Zm

— Utah Mammoth (@utahhockeyclub) May 14, 2025

For decades, Bruder was the one growing and cultivating a hockey fan base in Utah through his work as president of the Utah Grizzlies, as well as his recent position as Chairman of the ECHL Board of Governors, a role he took on in 2021.

He also served as the general manager of the Maverik Center, the arena that is not only home to the Utah Grizzlies but also hosts a variety of other events, including one of Utah Hockey Club’s first preseason games.

In the Grizzlies official statement, Bruder was said to be "deeply admired by his employees, many of whom worked alongside him for decades. He fostered a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and loyalty—marked by a strong sense of family. He led with integrity, humility, and consistency, always quick to celebrate the accomplishments of others and committed to promoting from within. He believed in people, and he created opportunities for countless careers to flourish under his mentorship."

It is with profound sadness that we share the sudden passing of Kevin Bruder, beloved General Manager of the Maverik Center, President & CEO of the Utah Grizzlies, and Chairman of the ECHL Board of Governors.

Read more: https://t.co/c6x3xZwhbLpic.twitter.com/TL6SxGND9m

— Utah Grizzlies (@UtahGrizzlies) May 13, 2025

Bruder was also a charitable man, "volunteering for organizations including Make-A-Wish Utah, Visit Salt Lake, TEAM Coalition, IAVM and dozens more over nearly 30 years,"setting a strong example for the hockey community in Utah.

With Utah Mammoth already cultivating a large hockey fanbase — one that has impressed owners Ryan and Ashley Smith, as well as NHL commissioner Gary Bettman during the recent announcement of the team’s new name — it’s important to acknowledge that Bruder’s hard work helped lay the groundwork for Utah to become a true hockey state.

So as the state of hockey continues to grow both in popularity, it is important to remember that Bruder was one of the people pivotal to helping build hockey.

The Hockey News extends its own condolences to the Bruder family. Rest in peace Kevin.

Continue reading...