Parker native, T-Birds, Krivo, Arapahoe alum Hejduk starting pro career with ECHL’s Grizzlies

The ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies have signed forward Marek Hejduk.

The son of former Colorado Avalanche great Milan Hejduk, the younger Hejduk played at NCAA Division I Harvard for four seasons from 2022-26, scoring 17 goals and compiling 15 assists for 32 points in 122 games for the Crimson.

Back home, the Parker native played for the Colorado Thunderbirds, Krivo School of Hockey Elite and Arapahoe Warriors. He also skated for the U.S. National Team Development Program from 2020-22.

“I started playing hockey when I was around four years old when my mom took me to the rink,” Hejduk said. “From there, my love for the game grew and grew as I kept playing. My dad played a big role as he was there every step of the way and I was inspired by my dad playing for the Colorado Avalanche. When I was little and my dad still played, my brother (David) and I used to hang out in the Avs locker room after each game. I had fun interacting with other NHL players.

“I’ve been blessed with some quality coaches, but the biggest influence was my dad. We talk about hockey all the time. He tells me what I did right or wrong during my games so I can be a better hockey player.”

Photo/Harvard Athletics