By: Brendan Price
For the first time in two seasons of junior hockey, forward Hogan Boyle is coming home.

“It’s special to me because now I have the chance to play in front of my friends and family for the first time in over two years,” remarked Boyle.

The Longmont, CO product spent the last two seasons with the Wisconsin Rapids River Kings, playing in 47 games across those two campaigns. After playing in 17 of the team’s first 21 games in 2021-22, Boyle was back home in the Centennial State, creating a unique opportunity for both Boyle and the Eagles.

“Last season, Hogan practiced with us for the second half of the year. With his rights being in limbo, unfortunately we couldn't add him to our roster at that time,” explained Head Coach/General Manager Steve Haddon.

Even with his rights in limbo, Boyle practiced with the team, stayed in shape, and took advantage of the opportunity.

“They’re a tight knit group of guys with a coaching staff that’s there for you all the time, but they still expect the most out of you,” Boyle said.

“We got to see his work ethic and passion everyday. Practicing with the group but not playing games, [and] seeing how supportive he was; he fit well with our group,” Haddon added.

“That's one of our biggest questions we always talk about, is whether a player fits into our culture or not. He [Hogan] proved that to us and we’re excited to work with him,” Haddon finished. 

Boyle had six points in 17 games during the regular season, scoring more in his second season than his first and needing fewer games to do it. It’s a step that the forward looks to build off of.

“I’d like to establish myself as a top 6 player with consistent special teams chances,” declared Boyle.

Apart from his individual goals, the 2003 birth year forward has his eyes on the ultimate prize.

“We all want the same thing. I want the championship ring on my finger in Boston at the end of March,” Boyle finished.

Entering their 10th season of existence, the Eagles have graduated over 100 players to college commitments in the United States (NCAA) and Canada (U-Sports), as well as professional contracts abroad. Eagles’ alumni dot the hockey landscape; playing in the Southern Professional Hockey League (SPHL), Poland and Sweden.

If you are a player that is interested in joining the Eagles organization for the upcoming 2022-2023 season, please email Coach Haddon at haddon@northerncoloradoeagles.com.