Utah Grizzlies owner and CEO, Kevin Bruder, dead at age 56
May 13, 2025, 4:23 PM | Updated: 5:02 pm
Utah Grizzlies CEO Kevin Bruder talks about the new partnership between the Utah Grizzlies and the Colorado Avalanche at a press conference at the Maverik Center. (Trent Wood/Deseret News)
(Trent Wood/Deseret News)
SALT LAKE CITY — The President and CEO of the Utah Grizzlies, Kevin Bruder, died suddenly over the weekend.
According to a post on the Utah Grizzlies X page, Bruder died Sunday, May 11, while he and his family were spending time together in the outdoors. He was 56.
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He was named general manager of the Maverik Center in 1997 and was elected as the chairman of the ECHL Board of Governors in 2021.
Colleagues call Bruder a family man and great friend
On its website, ECHL Commissioner Ryan Crelin described Bruder as a man who was always “willing to work for the benefit of the greater good.”
“This was reflected in his selection as Chairman by the ECHL Board of Governors for each of the past four seasons,” Crelin said in the statement. “More importantly, he was a fantastic person, a family man, and a great friend who will be dearly missed.”
In its announcement on social media, the Utah Grizzlies noted Bruder’s generosity.
“A tireless advocate for the power of sports and community, Kevin gave generously of his time and talents, volunteering for organizations including Make-A-Wish Utah, Visit Salt Lake, TEAM Coalition, IAVM and dozens more over nearly 30 years,” the Utah Grizzlies wrote in an X post.
Bruder “deeply admired” by employees
The Grizzlies describe Bruder as being deeply admired by his employees, and as a man who “fostered a culture of professionalism, inclusion, and loyalty — marked by strong sense of family.”
He is survived by his wife, Susan, and their four children.
This story is developing and may be updated.
