During the 2013-14 ECHL season, Jesse Mychan suited up as a rookie for the Colorado Eagles.

That season, the native of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, pumped in 11 goals while compiling 262 penalty minutes.

After a year away from the Budweiser Events Center, Mychan returned this season and his stats have turned into far less penalty minutes and a player knocking on 30 goals.

“Coming back to the Eagles was an easy decision for me,” said Mychan. “I felt I had more to give in chasing my dream to play in the NHL and playing in Wales (last season) wasn’t how I was going to reach it. I needed to play in a better quality league where I could develop as a player. And Colorado has helped me in so many ways. I am really grateful for the opportunity I have with the Eagles, and how the coaching staff has supported and helped me along the way. The Eagles are first class, top to bottom.”

Mychan, who has also seen time in the American Hockey League with the Portland Pirates and San Jose Barracuda, said he’s embraced his increased responsibilities with the Eagles.

“My role this year coming in was to be a physical forward who can put up some goals and points,” explained Mychan. “I feel I have taken on a bigger role in the goal-scoring department, which I felt a hard summer of training helped. I still have a lot of developing to do as a player, but I’m comfortable with knowing I’ll get that with the Eagles.”

Last season in the Elite Ice Hockey League with the Cardiff Devils, Mychan said he “saw parts of the world I never thought I would with hockey.”

Now in the home stretch of this season, Mychan has one goal on his mind.

“My expectations are to clinch a playoff spot and get the championship the Colorado Eagles deserve,” he said.

Photo/John Babitz

— Matt Mackinder