Les Borsheim (1979–2026): Colorado Eagles Legend, Broadcaster, and Hockey Inspiration to Northern Colorado

Updated: August 14, 2026, Sources: Colorado Eagles organization

Les Borsheim, a beloved Colorado Eagles franchise icon, former professional hockey defenseman, and longtime radio analyst whose resilience inspired communities across Colorado and Saskatchewan, died on August 11, 2026, at the age of 47.

Known affectionately as “Borshy” or “Borsh,” Borsheim’s story extended far beyond hockey. He was remembered not only for his toughness on the ice, but for the courage, humor, and generosity he displayed after a life-changing injury transformed his path. To teammates, fans, broadcasters, and young athletes, he became a symbol of perseverance and community spirit.

The announcement of his passing prompted an outpouring of tributes from across the hockey world, reflecting a life defined by determination, friendship, and service to others.

From the Prairies of Saskatchewan to Professional Hockey

Les Borsheim was born on April 27, 1979, in Watrous, Saskatchewan, and grew up on his family’s farm near the small prairie community. Like many Canadian children raised in rural towns, hockey became both a passion and a way of life.

He developed through local minor hockey before earning a place with the Brandon Wheat Kings of the Western Hockey League (WHL), where he played from 1996 to 2000. During four seasons with the club, Borsheim built a reputation as a dependable, physical defenseman and a respected teammate.

The Brandon Wheat Kings later remembered him as a player who combined competitive intensity with genuine kindness away from the rink—a theme repeated throughout the many tributes that followed news of his death.

A Professional Career Marked by Grit and Leadership

After junior hockey and a period at the University of Calgary, Borsheim embarked on a professional career that took him through several leagues and organizations, including the:

• Oklahoma City Blazers (Central Hockey League)
• Philadelphia Phantoms (American Hockey League)
• Quad City Mallards (United Hockey League)
• Colorado Eagles (Central Hockey League)

It was with the Colorado Eagles, however, that Borsheim made his most enduring mark.

Playing three seasons with the franchise from 2005 to 2008, the 6-foot-2, right-shooting defenseman became a fan favorite through his physical play, relentless effort, and unmistakable passion for the game.

He helped the Eagles win the 2006–07 Ray Miron President’s Cup Championship, cementing his place in franchise history.

For many supporters, Borsheim represented the identity of early Colorado Eagles hockey: tough, loyal, hardworking, and deeply connected to the community.

A Life-Altering Accident—and a New Mission

In June 2008, Borsheim suffered severe injuries in a motorcycle accident in Weld County, Colorado.

Public reporting stated that fractures to his C4 and C5 vertebrae left him paralyzed, and he also endured significant brain trauma. He spent months undergoing intensive medical treatment and rehabilitation, including care at Craig Hospital, a nationally recognized rehabilitation center.

For many people, such an event would have marked an ending.

For Borsheim, it became the beginning of a new chapter.

Rather than withdrawing from the sport and community he loved, he redirected his energy toward helping others.

Through Team Borsheim, he visited schools across Northern Colorado, shared messages of resilience, and encouraged young people facing challenges of their own. He also served as an assistant coach in youth hockey, continuing to shape the next generation of players.

Those who met him during these years often spoke of his optimism, humor, and ability to inspire others simply through his presence.

Borsheim repeatedly described each day as a gift—a philosophy that became central to his legacy.

The Voice of the Colorado Eagles

In 2011, Borsheim returned to the Colorado Eagles organization in a new role: radio color analyst.

For the next 15 seasons, he joined play-by-play broadcaster Kevin McGlue, becoming one of the most familiar and beloved voices in Northern Colorado hockey.

Fans appreciated his detailed analysis, sharp wit, and firsthand understanding of the game.

He remained behind the microphone through major moments in franchise history, including the Eagles’ back-to-back ECHL Kelly Cup championships in 2017 and 2018.

McGlue later reflected on their years together as a blessing, describing Borsheim as someone whose smile, enthusiasm, and love for the community lifted those around him.

Colorado Eagles President Ryan Bach offered a tribute that captured the feelings of many:

“We have lost a great teammate, broadcaster and friend. While his passion and toughness will always be the hallmark of his time on the ice, his greatest legacy will be that of a man who exemplified kindness, friendship and inspiration.”

Tributes Across the Hockey Community

The response to Borsheim’s passing stretched across leagues, teams, and generations of players.

The Brandon Wheat Kings remembered him as a fearless competitor and an exceptional person.

Former teammates and longtime friends shared memories of his humor, his warm greetings, and his unwavering positivity.

Martin Richardson, a longtime friend connected to the Colorado Eagles, recalled Borsheim’s memorable smile and the personal moments that defined their friendship, including shared experiences that remained meaningful years later.

Fans echoed the same themes repeatedly:

• Strength without bitterness
• Competitiveness balanced by kindness
• A love for hockey matched by a love for people

These qualities explain why Borsheim remained so deeply respected long after his playing career ended.

A Legacy Beyond Hockey

Les Borsheim’s impact cannot be measured solely through games played, championships won, or years behind a microphone.

His true legacy lies in the lives he touched.

He inspired young athletes.

He encouraged people facing adversity.

He strengthened a community through friendship, humor, and generosity.

He showed that resilience is not simply enduring hardship—it is finding purpose beyond it.

Borsheim is survived by his mother, Margie, extended family members, friends, former teammates, and countless fans across Canada and the United States.

At the time of publication, no official cause of death had been publicly released.

The Colorado Eagles, the Brandon Wheat Kings, and the broader hockey community have extended condolences to his family and all who knew him.

Remembering “Borshy”

For Colorado Eagles fans, Les Borsheim was more than a player.

More than a broadcaster.

More than a hockey figure.

He was part of the identity of the franchise itself.

His voice filled arenas.

His perseverance inspired communities.

His kindness left lasting impressions.

And his example will continue to resonate far beyond the game he loved.

Rest in peace, Les “Borshy” Borsheim. Your courage, your laughter, and your spirit will remain part of the story of Northern Colorado hockey for generations to come.