Landon Bird always knew he’d wind up playing with the NA3HL’s Alexandria Blizzard – it was just a matter of timing.

Last month, the Arvada native signed a tender agreement with the Blizzard and looks to start his junior hockey career this fall in Minnesota.

“The opportunity to play for the Alexandria Blizzard actually began a couple of years ago when a private coach and scout I had been working with sent me to try out with the team,” said Bird. “At the time, I was just starting my junior year of high school and still had a lot of development ahead of me. Then this past October, I was approached again and was told that the Blizzard were interested. Not long after that, I received the tender.

“I think it is a great environment that will help me grow and push my skills and competition to the next level. I’ve been following Alexandria over this past season and I am not only excited to be a part of the team on the ice, but I am also looking forward to giving back to the community and being involved in the team-building and off-ice trainings as well.”

Bird said that his 2024-25 season in the Colorado high school ranks with Ralston Valley helped him turn a corner and make his game ready for the NA3HL.

“This past season was huge in my development,” said Bird. “I’ve played forward, mostly center, every year except for this past season when I asked to play defense to help me develop more as a two-way player. It helped my hockey IQ tremendously and I feel a lot more confident in my decision making and in my ability as a whole.”

Growing up playing hockey for the Hyland Hills Jaguars, Bird said he started hockey a little later than most of his peers and really took an interest at age seven. He said his older cousin also grew up playing for Hyland Hills and he would go watch him play when he was little.

“From there, I was hooked,” Bird said.

Bird played at Hyland Hills from 8U to 16U before switching over to the Arvada Hockey Association and Ralston Valley High School.

“Coach Tyson Davis from Hyland Hills was there with me from beginning to end. He was always pushing me and believing that I could be better,” said Bird. “And while I only had coach Gary Pedigo from Hyland Hills for one season, he was and continues to be a huge cheerleader for me – even when I would play against him and his team during CHSAA. The most recent coach that has been a major contributor to my growth is Alec Skar. He was my private coach who continuously advocated for me and who truly believed in me that helped lead to my tender with Alexandria.”

Moving forward, Bird has attainable aspirations, on and off the ice.

“My short-term goals are to climb up the ranks in both hockey and in life and to have the ability to support myself no matter where life takes me,” said Bird. “Some long-term goals are to play NCAA Division I college hockey and to pursue a career in chiropractic or sports medicine.”

Photo/Terry Faulhabers

— Matt Mackinder

(June 2, 2025)