by Adam Gross

December 16, 2024

While he helped change children’s lives, Tye Felhaber also changed his own.
Although Grand Rapids defeated the Eagles 3-2 in a shootout on Saturday, 10,000 stuffed animals was a positive for Felhaber that night. At 12:29 of the first period, he scored the game’s first goal with a big rebound that sent stuffed animals thrown by fans flying across the ice. They were later donated to underprivileged children throughout the region. “It’s obviously a special night and it’s about giving back to the community and doing it for a good cause,” Felhaber said. “Just the support of our fans, they are very committed to the Teddy Bears, it is very special to score the goal.”

“It’s probably the only goal you can celebrate for 10 to 15 minutes.”
Every year the Eagles host the Teddy Bear Toss. However, it is the first time in Eagles tradition that Felhaber was able to score the first goal of the game.

In his first season with the Eagles, Felhaber is the team’s leading scorer. Before that, he played five AHL seasons in Milwaukee, Texas and Laval. Last season he scored ten goals, the most of his AHL career, with the Admirals. This year there are already eight.

The biggest difference to Felhaber’s success with the Eagles is the team that surrounds him. “I think it’s just the trust of the coaching staff that gives me and the guys in the room the opportunity,” Felhaber said. “I’ve always been lucky to have great teammates and especially the guys in this room are great and just let me be who I am.”

Head coach Aaron Schneekloth recognizes Felhaber as a glue man in the locker room. He’s tough, plays with heart and does everything right. Players of all ages in the squad are drawn to him because of his character.

Although Felhaber is still new to the Colorado hockey scene, Schneekloth said he has the potential to become a fan favorite. “When you go out on the ice here and play with heart, passion and courage, that attracts people,” Schneekloth said. “When I have seen him in the past with other players at this level and in previous leagues, he ticks all the boxes.”

After the loss to the Griffins, Schneekloth said Felhaber had the power to determine his own destiny and the path of his hockey career.

On Sunday, Felhaber received his first call in the NHL.

The Colorado Avalanche signed Felhaber to a two-year contract through the 2024-25 and 2025-26 seasons. Eagles captain Jayson Megna showed pride in his linemate.
“He’s a guy that comes to work every day, it’s great to see,” Megna said. “His growth over the year has led to him playing some really big roles for us. So I’m very happy that he’s getting an NHL contract and it’s well-deserved.”

Megna and Felhaber were placed on the same line and this was the catalyst for the success of the newly appointed Av. “(Megna) means the world, he’s a great captain,” Felhaber said. “We got together about three weeks ago and it completely changed my game.”

There was little talk in the locker room before the game about who would score the first goal of the night. However, last season the goal was a steak dinner.
When Felhaber heard the news, he suggested the team do something to celebrate his goal this year.

“I wish we had something like that, but we didn’t” … “Maybe the boys need to take me out for steak,” Felhaber said. If scoring the Teddy Bear goal wasn’t reason enough for a steak dinner, Felhaber’s call-up to the big show certainly is.