CHL Colorado Eagles

Riley Nelson Named CHL's Man of the Year

Published on March 22, 2007 under Central Hockey League (CHL)
Colorado Eagles News Release


WINDSOR, Colo.- The Central Hockey League announced today that Eagles center Riley Nelson has been named the CHL's Man of the Year. Nelson was honored last night at the Eagles final regular season game at the Budweiser Events Center along with his wife Colleen.

The Man of the Year award goes to the player who is "judged to have best exemplified leadership qualities on and off the ice, while making significant and noteworhy humanitarian contributions to his community." Riley Nelson has certainly done so, and not just this season, but since he has joined the Eagles in 2003. The Eagles fourth-year center has not only been a valuable asset on the ice, but he has served the Northern Colorado community with passion and pride.

"Riley has been a role model for so many youth in our community," said Eagles President Ralph Backstrom. "He is a great player on the ice, but an even better person off the ice."

Nelson has made appearances at numerous hospitals and schools not only to promote the Eagles, but to prove that hard work and dedication will help people accomplish their dreams. He has met the sheriffs of both Weld and Larimer counties promoting the Budweiser "Good Sport" program which encourages designated drivers, both at the Budweiser Events Center and throughout Northern Colorado. Nelson has been very influential in the Colorado Eagles Foundation fundraising campaign to build Inspiration Playground, a universally-accessible playground for children of all abilities.

"This award is very deserving for Riley," said Eagles Vice President and Head Coach Chris Stewart. "As an ambassador for the Eagles and the sport of hockey, Riley is on another level."

The Cranbrook, British Columbia native spends his summers teaching children the game of hockey through the Eagles summer hockey camps. He also attends parades, fairs and other such events to give back to the community of the Northern Colorado who have supported him over the years. The 5'9", 175-pound center not only displays his genuine nature in the community, but he does it on the ice as well. For the past two seasons, Nelson has been voted second for "Most Gentlemanly Player" in the CHL's Best of the Best poll. He is also a finalist for the Most Valuable Player award in the Central Hockey League this season that will announced on Monday, March 26th.

Riley Nelson has been a steadfast member of the community for not only this season, but for the four years he has lived in Northern Colorado. Nelson takes the extra time to touch the lives of every adult, child, teammate, and fan that he comes in contact with. This dedication makes him a role model more than anything he can accomplish on the ice.

Nelson and the Eagles are amidst a race for their third straight Governors' Cup with two games remaining in the season. Colorado will head to New Mexico on Friday night and to Arizona on Saturday night. The Eagles magic number is three points to take home the regular season title.

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