WINDSOR, Colo. — After day two of the Colorado Eagles’ training camp, the pace was picking up a bit more. The players are competing for the remaining spots that the Colorado Avalanche may leave after making their own cuts. Brandon Cutler and other bubble players are striving to make a lasting impression with the brass before being sent down to the ECHL Utah Grizzlies. Others, like Keaton Middleton, know their place is more secure in Loveland.
Forward Matthew Stienburg, who just signed an extension with the Avalanche this offseason, came to camp with a plan in mind to impress from the beginning, giving Sam Malinski a little credit on why he wanted to stay in Colorado.
“Yeah, well, you know, I’ll give him a little of credit,” Stienburg said. “Obviously, he’s the guy that I played with at school and the idea of continuing to play with him was exciting. So yeah, everything just ended up working out. Like I said back then, this is a place that I see myself and want to be, and I’m thankful it all worked out.”
Stienburg spent the summer finishing up school at Cornell and receiving his business degree, to which he said he had no specific plans for it.
Great job by Matthew Stienburg protecting the puck along the boards. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/BidY3ttXrW
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) October 3, 2023
Ivan Ivan came to fame during the world juniors playing for his home country of Czechia. Ivan shared about his experience of playing in the world juniors and getting teased about his name.
“I kind of expect it’s gonna happen obviously, because it’s not a traditional name, but yeah, my phone was ringing so much, but like I was trying to not read any comments, especially on a night people often just can bring you down,” Ivan said. “I focus on not caring about it, but like some people are really nice to me on the ice. And yeah, it’s special, and I was trying not to be known by my name and my hockey skill.”
Ivan was given several offers from other teams that he declined in order to come to Colorado for.
“Well, there were a couple more options, but I feel like Colorado was special to me, especially when I was younger,” Ivan said. “I was always a Colorado fan. So it’s one of the options, and yeah, I just would say the best option for me and I saw a lot of good development from Colorado a couple years ago, so I feel like it’s a good spot.”
Ivan mentioned that his favorite players growing up were Milan Hejduk, Joe Sakic and Nathan MacKinnon.
Ivan Ivan works the slot and is set up for a one timer on Metcalf. #Avs #GoAvsGo #EaglesCountry @TheRinkColorado pic.twitter.com/4CUdlebo9o
— Brennan Vogt (@brennan_vogt) October 2, 2023
Both Stienburg and Ivan will be essential to the Eagles’ success this season. They also play unique styles of hockey. Ivan will contribute on both sides of the puck, while Stienburg will be more of a defensive threat against every team he plays. There is only one day left in Eagles camp and the rosters will become the most solidified that they have been since May 2023.