The Colorado Extreme Hockey program announced Thursday the hiring of former NHL player Bryan Berard as its new president. Founder and current president Sheldon Wolitski will take on a new role within the organization.
Berard, the first overall pick in the 1995 NHL Entry Draft by the Ottawa Senators, is known for his perseverance through a career-threatening eye injury. Despite this setback, Berard played 619 NHL games. He will be moving from Rhode Island to Aspen to take up his new position.
Having started the Colorado Extreme program in 2021 in Carbondale, Wolitski has expanded the organization to Rifle and Craig, hoping to continue growing.
“When I first took on the mission to grow the game and expand hockey, it was three years ago,” Wolitski said. “I didn’t realize, you know, three years later we’d have over 400 kids in Carbondale, 200 in Rifle, and now we’re up against Craig and we want to keep expanding.”
The rapid growth of the program led Wolitski to search for a qualified leader to further develop the children’s skills.
“I soon realized I needed someone to intervene. He was much more qualified than I was to really develop the kids,” Wolitski said. “At the end of the day, it’s about developing these kids in hockey.”
Wolitski met Berard at the Colorado Extreme NHL alumni game last winter in Carbondale, where he learned more about Berard’s inspiring story.
“I knew what it was about, all his accolades and being the No. 1 overall draft pick and obviously the tragic injury he had, but I didn’t know the whole story,” Wolitski said. “That’s when I really started to understand the comeback and the game.”
Wolitski emphasized the importance of having someone who can significantly impact the kids in the program.
“The first thing I was looking for was someone who could significantly impact kids, specifically in overcoming obstacles,” Wolitski said. “Brian is that guy.”
Berard, who wrote a book titled “Relentless” about his experiences, brings a wealth of knowledge and inspiration to the program. Berard expressed his excitement about his new role and the opportunity to work with Colorado Extreme.
“It’s a great youth program, and that’s the progression toward the academy teams that we’re looking forward to,” Berard said. “We can develop these kids on and off the ice, and as human beings, as well as good athletes.”
The program expansion includes plans for a new indoor rink and a hockey academy.
“We are exploring all options. I think there are multiple ways to create an academy,” Wolitski said. “The goal is to make hockey affordable and create a model where parents of all economic levels can participate.”
Wolitski believes Berard’s experience at top academies will be invaluable.
“He played at one of the best academies in the country, Mount St. Charles, and he actually works with them a lot,” Wolitski said. “He will also bring a lot of that to the table to help build it once we have the facilities.”
Berard said he is also looking forward to moving to Colorado.
“I’ve traveled to Colorado quite a bit and it’s a beautiful place to live,” Berard said. “I can’t wait to have this opportunity and be able to work with these kids and this program.”
The Colorado Extreme Hockey Program aims to have its indoor ice facilities and academy teams ready for the 2027-2028 season. The academy model is growing rapidly and there is an opportunity to create a division on the west coast to limit travel.
Berard and Wolitski are committed to building a legendary program on the Western Slope.
“We can really build an elite program here,” Berard said. “I think there will be a lot of parents and kids knocking on our door to come play at Colorado Extreme and I’m thrilled to be a part of it.”
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