Colorado Thunderbird alumnus Sheldon Rioux ('07) has committed to play NCAA Division-I hockey in the ECAC for the Brown Bears!

Rioux played two full seasons with the Colorado Thunderbird organization, starting as a 15O player in 2022 after moving from the Nashville Jr Predators organization. Sheldon found his stride as a 16U assistant captain, leading our 2007's to a state championship with 35 goals in 56 games. His Thunderbird totals of 46-64-110 in just 88 games played caught the attention of the NAHL's Colorado Grit, who tendered him last season and brought him up for 15 games.

With the North American Hockey League's Grit, Rioux has scored 13 goals and added 19 assists in 68 games across parts of two seasons as a 16 and 17 year old. When he makes the jump to collegiate hockey, Sheldon will become the 6th Thunderbird to play for the Brown Bears. Congratulations Sheldon and good luck the rest of the season with the Grit, we can't wait to watch your success!

“We are beyond proud of Sheldon’s commitment to Brown University. To be able to compete at the division one level and pursue academics at an Ivy League university is an amazing opportunity and Sheldon has yearned that opportunity through hard work, dedication and an unwavering desire to get better! Shelly is only going to continue to improve and I think Brown is going to have a real difference maker when he makes it on campus! I’d be lying if I said this wasn’t extra special as one of Sheldon’s former coaches and a Brown Alumni! Go Bears 🐻 !”

- Thunderbird Director Jordan Pietrus (Brown, Class of 2010)

You can find an interactive list of all Colorado Thunderbird alumni here: Thunderbird Alumni Page