Donovan Bradford was born in Northern California but moved to Colorado at the start of his teens and saw his game take off with the Colorado Rampage.

This season, Bradford is loving his second year of junior hockey with the NA3HL’s El Paso Rhinos.

“The opportunity to sign with El Paso came about last season,” Bradford said. “I started the year in Mason City but was traded in November. From the moment I arrived in El Paso, I knew this was where I wanted to spend the rest of my junior hockey career. Everything about the organization stood out – the coaching staff, the front office, and even our equipment manager. The sense of family here is unparalleled. I genuinely believe El Paso is the best place to play junior hockey in the U.S.”

Bradford went on to say that the Rhinos organization’s biggest appeal is the professionalism.

“Everyone – players, staff, and management – is fully committed to the “Rhino Way,’” said Bradford. “The camaraderie and dedication are unmatched, and it’s inspiring to be part of such a cohesive group. Another standout for me is the incredible fan base. Playing in front of a sold-out arena with 3,000 passionate fans every home game is something special. The city’s support is overwhelming, in the best way. When I’m out for coffee, people recognize me and ask for autographs. It’s humbling and motivating, and I want to put on a show every night for the fans who come out to support us.”

Being away from home has been tough for Bradford, but having a home away from home in El Paso has made the adjustment that much smoother.

“Having the best billet family, Dave and Emily Howard, makes all the difference,” Bradford said. “They’re incredible people who make me feel truly at home, and I’m so grateful for their kindness and support.

“Last season was a great experience for myself and the team. Personally, finding a place that felt like home right away was incredible. The team welcomed me from Day 1, and it was refreshing to join such a strong and supportive group. On a team level, we had a solid season making it to the playoffs. Unfortunately, a series of injuries towards the end of the season held us back from making a deeper playoff run, but the potential was there. It was rewarding to be part of such a competitive and determined group.”

Growing up, Bradford said hockey has been in his life for as long as he can remember.

“My parents met while working for the San Jose Sharks, so hockey has been a part of my life from the very beginning,” said Bradford. “They introduced me to a variety of sports when I was little, but they couldn’t keep me off the ice. I officially started playing around age five or six, but in reality, I’ve been skating for as long as I can remember. Being around the Sharks with my parents played a huge role in sparking my passion for the game.

“One memory that stands out is when I was seven. After an early morning stick-and-puck session, someone came over to help me untie my skates. It turned out to be (Sharks player) Tommy Wingels. My dad pointed him out as he walked away, and in that moment, I realized hockey is about so much more than the game. That experience stuck with me and shaped my perspective on the sport.”

Once he arrived in Colorado, the passion for the game increased.

“When I was 13, I moved to Colorado to play for the Colorado Rampage, living with a billet family for my first two years,” remembered Bradford. “During my 13U and 14U seasons, my coach was C.J. Yoder. He taught me how to maximize my offensive abilities while instilling the importance of humility and gratitude. One lesson that stuck with me was his story about Walter Gretzky. He emphasized always doing the right thing, even when you think no one is watching, because you never know who might notice. That mindset has guided me on and off the ice.

“For my 15U and 16U seasons, I played under Coach Pat Bingham, who introduced me to system-oriented hockey. He helped me develop a strong understanding of all 200 feet of the ice and refined my defensive zone play and off-puck positioning. I was also fortunate to work with Ryan Massa, who brought me on as a shooter during his goalie skates. He didn’t just see me as another player on the ice. He took the time to teach me how to score in specific areas, improve my shot, and compete with intensity every rep. His work ethic and focus showed me what it takes to reach the next level.”

During his time in Colorado, Bradford said there is a lot to remember about playing there.

“What I’ll remember most about playing in Colorado is how much fun it was,” said Bradford. “Every in-state game felt like a rivalry, which added intensity and made each game matter even more. The competition and passion in those matchups created unforgettable moments.

“Another standout memory was being part of the Western Regional High Performance Camp at Colorado College. It gave me the opportunity to compete against some of the best players in 14U from across the western United States. That experience was a turning point for me, solidifying that Colorado was the right place for my development as a player.”

Still with one more year of junior hockey eligibility, Bradford has started looking ahead to potential goals and aspirations. 

“In the short term, my goals in hockey are to be a top offensive contributor and a leader my teammates can rely on,” Bradford said. “Every day I show up to the rink, I focus on being the best player and person I can be. These goals feel achievable with consistent effort and the support of my team.

“My long-term goal is to play NCAA hockey. I believe the NCAA route offers the best opportunity for me to develop as a player while also excelling academically. I’ve always taken pride in my education, and becoming a student-athlete at the NCAA level would be a dream come true. Beyond hockey, I aim to carry the lessons I’ve learned – discipline, work ethic, and leadership – into all areas of my life.”

Photo/Brittanie Eastwood

— Matt Mackinder

(December 14, 2024)