Runbeck named Lady RoughRiders Director
Boulder Hockey Club (BHC) is proud to announce that Executive Director Neil Runbeck will expand his leadership role within the organization by assuming the position of Director of the Lady RoughRiders program, effective immediately.
In his new role, Runbeck will oversee the continued development and expansion of BHC’s growing girls' hockey program, including player development, team operations, and coaching leadership. In addition to his executive responsibilities, Runbeck also plans to serve as the head coach of one of the Lady RoughRiders teams for the upcoming season. Specific coaching assignments will be announced in the coming weeks.
“As a father of two girls, I’m excited to take on a larger role in the development of our Lady RoughRiders program,” says Runbeck. “As the only all-female program in Colorado with a National Championship, we are laser-focused on building nationally competitive teams. Our goal is to create an elite, competitive environment where female athletes in our community can thrive, develop, and reach their full potential.
A native of New Brighton Minnesota, Runbeck played his youth and high school hockey in the Irondale hockey program. Following high school, he competed in both hockey and soccer for four years at the College of St. Scholastica in Duluth, MN where he earned a bachelor’s degree in computer science/information systems in 2002. He later completed his master’s in business administration from Colorado State University in 2015.
Runbeck has coached at all youth levels in Colorado, including positions with Boulder Hockey Club, Aspen Junior hockey, and the Rocky Mountain RoughRiders Tier 1 program. He also spent four years as Director of Hockey Operations for the Spokane Chiefs before returning to Boulder Hockey in 2020, where he had previously served as Assistant Director of Hockey Operations from 2012-2016.
Runbeck brings a wealth of experience to the role, having served as BHC’s Executive Director since 2023, where he has played a central role in program growth, athlete development, and competitive success across the club. In the 2020–2021 and 2022–2023 seasons, Runbeck led his Rocky Mountain RoughRiders Tier 1 teams to a Colorado State Championship and Rocky Mountain District Runner-Up finishes. Most recently, he coached Boulder Hockey Club’s 12AA team to victory in the Avalanche International Quebec Qualifier, where they earned the right to represent the Junior Colorado Avalanche in Quebec.
My coaching philosophy is simple: work hard, create offense, and be a great teammate,” adds Runbeck. “We start at the offensive net and work our way back. Don’t be surprised if we’re running power play drills on day one. This approach is rooted in pushing player development in skating, puck skills, and decision-making through teaching core concepts. You can also expect a strong emphasis on team building and leadership development. Being a positive and productive citizen is non-negotiable. These are the skills and qualities that help players advance to higher levels of hockey, whether it’s Tier I, college, or professional."
The Boulder Hockey Club and its Board of Directors are confident that Runbeck’s leadership, experience and passion for the game will elevate the Lady RoughRiders program to new heights.