The ECHL family is in mourning today as it was announced that one of the league’s most respected leaders has died.

Kevin Bruder, longtime executive with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies and ECHL Chairman of the Board of Governors, passed away Sunday at 56 years old. According to the Grizzlies, Bruder died suddenly while enjoying the Utah outdoors.

Bruder most recently served as the President and CEO of the Utah Grizzlies, as well as the general manager of the Maverik Center, the team’s home arena. He arrived in Utah in 1997, running the arena which held the 2002 Winter Olympics hockey games and Grizzlies hockey for decades. In 2005, he became President and CEO of the hockey club.

Bruder also served on the ECHL’s Board of Governors, being elected as the league’s Chairman of the Board in 2021.

From a statement released by the Grizzlies:

"Kevin was deeply admired by his employees, many of whom worked alongside him for decades. He fostered a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and loyalty—marked by a strong sense of family. He led with integrity, humility, and consistency, always quick to celebrate the accomplishments of others and committed to promoting from within. He believed in people, and he created opportunities for countless careers to flourish under his mentorship.

"Those who worked with Kevin will remember his presence—quietly steady, yet always fully engaged. Whether supporting his staff, players, promoters, partners, or patrons, Kevin could be found at the arena on nights, weekends, and holidays—doing whatever needed to be done to ensure that others succeeded and felt supported.

"Kevin Bruder’s legacy is one of leadership, generosity, and service. He leaves behind a community that was stronger because of him, and he will be deeply missed by all who had the privilege of knowing or working alongside him."

Bruder helped manage the Grizzlies’ transition from the American Hockey League to the ECHL in 2005, where they have been ever since. Meanwhile the league has enjoyed tremendous growth as the Mountain Division continues to add teams around the Grizzlies.

"Kevin's commitment to the ECHL over the past 20 years has helped lead the League and grow to where it is today," said ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin in a statement. "He was always steady, rational and willing to work for the benefit of the greater good - this was reflected in his selection as Chairman by the ECHL Board of Governors for each of the past four seasons. More importantly, he was a fantastic person, a family man, and a great friend who will be dearly missed."

Bruder is survived by his wife and their four children.