The Colorado Eagles organization is mourning the reported passing of former player and longtime broadcaster Les Borsheim, who died Tuesday at the age of 47.
Borsheim leaves behind a lasting legacy with the Eagles, both as a player and as one of the familiar voices heard during the team’s broadcasts for more than a decade.
He spent three seasons wearing an Eagles sweater and helped Colorado capture the 2006–07 Central Hockey League championship. After a six-season professional playing career that included time with the AHL’s Philadelphia Phantoms, the Oklahoma City Blazers of the CHL and the UHL’s Quad City Mallards, Borsheim found a new role within the organization.
Beginning in 2011, he joined the Eagles’ radio broadcast team as the color commentator. He spent the next 15 seasons alongside the broadcast crew, including during Colorado’s back-to-back ECHL Kelly Cup championships in 2017 and 2018.
“We have lost a great teammate, broadcaster and friend,” Eagles president Ryan Bach said. “While his passion and toughness will always be the hallmark of his time on the ice, his greatest legacy will be that of a man who exemplified kindness, friendship and inspiration.”
Bach also reflected on the memories Borsheim created throughout his years with the organization, describing him as both a fierce competitor and a wonderful friend and ambassador of the sport.
Borsheim’s life took a dramatic turn in 2008 when he suffered serious injuries in a motorcycle accident. Despite the life-changing circumstances that followed, he continued to find ways to encourage and inspire people around him.
Through Team Borsheim, he shared his story with students at schools throughout Northern Colorado, speaking about perseverance and overcoming adversity. He also remained connected to hockey by working as an assistant coach with local youth teams.
His impact was particularly evident in the broadcast booth, where his enthusiasm and personality made him a beloved figure among Eagles supporters.
“Spending the past 15 seasons with Les was truly a blessing,” Eagles play-by-play broadcaster Kevin McGlue said. “He never failed to bring a smile with him to the arena, and I will always remember his passion for the Eagles and for the people of Northern Colorado.”
McGlue remembered Borsheim as someone who treated every day as a gift and whose presence lifted the spirits of those around him.
“We are going to miss him dearly and take solace in knowing that the legacy he left will endure,” McGlue said.
For Colorado Eagles fans, Borsheim represented much more than his accomplishments on the ice. His career was marked by competition and championship success, but his years after the motorcycle accident revealed another side of his character — one defined by resilience, generosity and a determination to make a difference in the lives of others.
The Eagles organization and its fans are extending their love and support to Borsheim’s mother, Margie, and his entire family as they mourn his passing.
Les Borsheim’s connection to the Colorado Eagles spanned decades and multiple generations of fans. From championship seasons as a player to 15 years behind the microphone, his presence became an important part of the organization’s story.
He will be remembered not only for the games he played or called, but for the optimism, friendship and inspiration he brought to the Colorado hockey community.
