By: Brendan Price

With 47 games as an Eagle last season under his belt, it took forward Vlad Suhhodolov absolutely no time to decide on where he wanted to spend 2022-23.

“I loved everything about the team last year. I’ve been ready to come back ever since our last game,” gushed Suhhodolov.

The 5’9, 155-lb forward joined the squad after spending his rookie campaign in San Diego and a brief stint in high school hockey. Suhhodolov kept coming back to a common theme among returning players from last year: the culture and chemistry in the locker room.

“Playing for the Eagles was different than any other team I’ve played for,” he started.

“The environment was incredible and we were all such a family on and off the ice,” Suhhodolov added.

The forward only notched 5 points (4-1-5) in those 47 games last year, but Head Coach/General Manager Steve Haddon was pleased with how the Estonian rounded out his full 200-foot game.

“Vladdy kept growing throughout the season and that’s what you want,” Haddon began.

“I took a step forward when I started gaining confidence on the ice and knew more about what I could contribute to the team,” added Suhhodolov.

The 2003 birth year forward became a key cog in the Eagles’ bottom six forward group as the season wore on. His tenacity and willingness to block shots became a staple of Suhhodolov’s game down the stretch and earned him positive plaudits from the coaching staff, who can’t wait to see what the next season has in store.

“He [Vlad] finished strong in the playoffs and we want him to continue that into this season. I think his ceiling is quite high and he’s got time to keep molding into the player that he wants to be,” explained Haddon.

With under a month until main camp begins back in Greeley, Suhhodolov is counting down the days on his calendar.

“I’m looking forward to getting back on the ice with the team again,” he said emphatically.

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.