Ronnie Attard Bio
Ronnie Attard, born on March 20, 1999, is an American professional ice hockey defenseman who plays for the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL) while under contract to the Colorado Avalanche of the National Hockey League (NHL). A native of Michigan, Attard came up through the United States Hockey League (USHL) and the NCAA before launching his professional career with the Philadelphia Flyers. He was selected 72nd overall by the Flyers in the 2019 NHL entry draft and has since built a reputation as a mobile, offensive-minded blue liner.
Early Life and Background
Ronald Attard was born on March 20, 1999, in White Lake Township, Michigan, to parents Toms and Sue. He grew up alongside two older sisters, Jessica and Julia, in a family environment that supported his early interest in ice hockey. As a youth player in Michigan, Attard developed his game with the Honeybaked and Victory Honda minor hockey programs, two well-known development pipelines in the state.
His performances at the youth level earned him a place in the United States Hockey League, where he was drafted by the Tri-City Storm. Attard’s progression through these respected programs gave him a strong foundation in both the defensive and offensive sides of the game, traits that would later define his identity as a prospect.
Path to Hockey
During his rookie season with the Tri-City Storm, Attard announced his commitment to play NCAA Division I ice hockey at Western Michigan University. The offseason before his second USHL campaign saw him split his training between workouts at Western Michigan with former NHL head coach Andy Murray and the Broncos’ own program, an arrangement that produced immediate results on the ice.
In 2018–19, Attard delivered a breakout season, setting a USHL single-season record for most goals and points by a defenseman with 30 goals and 65 points. Along the way, he recorded a four-goal game, becoming the first USHL defenseman in more than three years to achieve that feat. He was later ranked 76th among North American skaters by the NHL Central Scouting Bureau and was selected 72nd overall by the Philadelphia Flyers in the 2019 draft.
Ronnie Attard Career
Early Career (2019–2022)
Following the draft, Attard began his freshman season at Western Michigan University, a campaign cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. He still managed 14 points in 30 games and finished as the top-scoring defenseman on the team. The following year, his continued offensive output earned him a spot on the AHCA First-Team All-American roster and a nomination for the Hobey Baker Award.
After his junior season at Western Michigan, Attard agreed to join the Philadelphia Flyers immediately, signing a two-year entry-level contract on March 29, 2022. Four days later, he made his NHL debut against the Toronto Maple Leafs, stepping in for Keith Yandle whose iron-man streak had ended at 989 games. On April 5, 2022, he recorded his first NHL point, assisting on a goal by James van Riemsdyk in a loss to the Columbus Blue Jackets.
Philadelphia Flyers Era (2022–2024)
Attard spent the bulk of his early professional development in the Flyers organization, splitting time between the NHL roster and the American Hockey League affiliate. As a restricted free agent following the conclusion of his entry-level deal, he was re-signed to a two-year, two-way contract worth $1.7 million on July 5, 2023.
He continued to work on establishing himself as a steady two-way defenseman within the Philadelphia system. His combination of size, skating, and offensive touch from the blue line made him a regular contributor at the AHL level while offering the Flyers a depth option on the back end.
Edmonton Oilers Era (2024–2025)
On November 4, 2024, Attard was traded by the Flyers to the Edmonton Oilers in exchange for Ben Gleason. He was assigned to Edmonton’s AHL affiliate, the Bakersfield Condors, for the remainder of the 2024–25 season. In 59 games with Bakersfield, Attard recorded 7 goals and 17 points, finishing third in offensive categories among team defensemen.
Colorado Avalanche Era (2025–Present)
As a free agent from the Oilers, Attard signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Colorado Avalanche on July 1, 2025. He was assigned to the Colorado Eagles, the Avalanche’s AHL affiliate, where he continues to develop as a depth defenseman within the organization.
Driving Style and Strengths
Attard is recognized for his offensive instincts from the blue line, highlighted by his record-setting USHL output and consistent point production at the collegiate level. Standing 6 feet 3 inches tall and weighing around 207 pounds, he combines size with mobility, allowing him to log meaningful minutes while contributing offensively.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among his signature moments, Attard was named captain of Team USA at the 2018 World Junior A Challenge, helping lead the squad to a gold medal over Russia. He also owns the USHL single-season record for goals and points by a defenseman, a mark he set during the 2018–19 season with the Tri-City Storm.
Ronnie Attard Career Wins
Attard’s career is highlighted more by development milestones and statistical achievements than by traditional win totals, given his role as a defenseman. His most celebrated accomplishment remains the 2018 World Junior A Challenge gold medal with Team USA, paired with his record-breaking USHL campaign.
USHL Highlights
In 2018–19, Attard was named USHL Player of the Year and USHL Defenseman of the Year after posting 30 goals and 65 points, both league records for a defenseman in a single season. He also captured the 2019 Dave Tyler Junior Player of the Year Award, cementing his status as one of the top junior defensemen in North America.
Other Wins and Performances
At the collegiate level, Attard earned AHCA First-Team All-American honors during his sophomore season at Western Michigan and was nominated for the Hobey Baker Award, recognizing the top NCAA men’s ice hockey player. Internationally, he captained the United States to gold at the 2018 World Junior A Challenge.
Ronnie Attard Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
Ronnie Attard was raised by his parents, Toms and Sue, alongside two older sisters, Jessica and Julia, in White Lake Township, Michigan. His family’s support played a key role in his development as a young hockey player in a state known for producing NHL talent.
Personal Life
Attard keeps his personal life largely private, focusing public attention on his professional hockey career. As of available records, he is not publicly known to be married and does not have children.
2025 Season Performance
Attard opened the 2025 calendar year with the Bakersfield Condors, where he produced 7 goals and 17 points in 59 games and ranked third in offensive categories among Condors defensemen. After becoming a free agent, he signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Colorado Avalanche on July 1, 2025, and was assigned to the Colorado Eagles.
With the Avalanche organization, Attard is expected to continue his development as a depth defenseman, offering Colorado a right-shot blue liner capable of contributing offensively at the AHL level. His pathway back to the NHL remains tied to consistency, defensive reliability, and continued production from the back end.
Looking ahead to the rest of 2025 and into the 2025–26 season, Attard’s primary goal is to push for NHL opportunities with the Avalanche while serving as a key piece of the Colorado Eagles’ defensive corps.