DES MOINES — Riley Colvard has been named an assistant coach of the United States Hockey League's Des Moines Buccaneers.
“Our team is getting the full package in Riley Colvard," Des Moines head coach, Matt Curley said in a news release. "A seasoned veteran in the USHL, Riley is a trusted colleague, a great coach and a proven winner. His experience and knowledge of our league will both help our staff and players reach new heights on and off the ice.”
Colvard, a 29-year-old from Lino Lakes, Minn., played hockey at Centennial High School for the 2009-10 and 2010-11 seasons. After high school, Colvard went on to play junior hockey in the North American Hockey League with the Austin Bruins in 2011-12 and was captain of the team in the 2012-13 season. He played forward for four seasons for the University of Wisconsin-Stout (2013-2017).
"We are very excited to welcome Riley to the Buccaneer organization and family," Des Moines senior advisor and general manager Scott Owens said. "He's an outstanding hockey coach and equally as good of a person. Riley brings a tremendous amount of USHL experience to the Bucs, something that will be invaluable to our club as the year progresses. His commitment to helping make players better and his overall work ethic helps augment an already strong staff under the leadership of coach Matt Curley."
Colvard spent the 2017-18 season as assistant coach for the Minnesota Wilderness of the NAHL. He was an assistant coach for the USHL's Sioux Falls Stampede the last four seasons. Colvard worked under Owens his first two seasons with the Stampede, which included helping the team win the Clark Cup in 2019.
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“I want to thank the Buccaneers ownership group, Scott Owens and Matt Curley for giving me an opportunity to make the transition to such a historic USHL organization," Colvard said. "I had the opportunity to work under Scott Owens my first two years in Sioux Falls when he was the head coach/general manager for the Stampede, and I am thrilled to be able to work with him again. Also, I am very excited to have the opportunity to work with and learn from Matt Curley this upcoming season, along with the rest of the coaching staff. My wife and I are looking forward to our transition to Des Moines and are excited for the upcoming season.”
Colvard will join Matt Curley and assistant coach Garrett Cecere behind the bench this season.
