Colorado Grit announces Chris Stewart as team president, bolstering leadership for 2024 Season
[Greeley, Colorado – Jan. 2] – The Colorado Grit, the pride of Greeley and the state’s premier North American Hockey League team, is thrilled to announce the appointment of Chris Stewart as its new team president. A seasoned professional with an illustrious career, Stewart brings a wealth of experience, vision and championship-winning expertise to the organization.
Stewart is most notably recognized for his significant contributions as the head coach and general manager of the Colorado Eagles during their tenure in the Central Hockey League (CHL) and the ECHL. His coaching prowess has been marked by an impressive trio of Ray Miron President’s Cups, establishing him as a transformative figure in the world of hockey.
Stewart’s first championship came with the Huntsville Channel Cats in the 1998–99 season, and he solidified his legacy with two more titles during his tenure with the Colorado Eagles in the 2004–05 and 2006–07 seasons. His impact on the Eagles extended beyond the coaching role, with Stewart retiring in 2008 only to return to the position in 2010. His second retirement in 2016 saw him transition into the role of general manager, where he continued to steer the organization to remarkable success.
Under Stewart’s leadership, the Colorado Eagles claimed back-to-back Kelly Cups in his final two seasons as general manager, marking a historic achievement. The organization’s ascension to the American Hockey League (AHL) in 2018 as the AHL affiliate of the Colorado Avalanche attests to Stewart’s ability to cultivate winning cultures.
“His proven leadership, coupled with an exceptional understanding of the game and the business, positions the Grit for unparalleled success,” Bob Bowden, Colorado Grit managing partner, said of Stewart. “We’re excited to welcome him to the Grit family and are confident that, under his guidance, the team’s future is even brighter.”
Stewart expressed his enthusiasm for the new role.
“I look forward to the next chapter in my hockey career,” he said. “I have been blessed with great people throughout my 40 years in this industry – to be part of the future by helping these young players realize their dreams and potential, both as athletes and community members, is a real privilege.”
As the Colorado Grit embarks on this new chapter, the franchise is poised to build on its already stellar trajectory, fueled by the vision and expertise of Chris Stewart. The entire Grit community eagerly anticipates the positive impact this appointment will have on the team’s performance, both on the ice and within the vibrant Colorado hockey landscape.
