President - Jon Fritz

Hometown: Duluth, MN

Favorite Hockey Teams: Minnesota Wild, Colorado College, and Colorado Avalanche

How long have you lived in Chaffee County: 17 years

Asset / Skill you bring to IRCC: I bring my experience in project planning and team collaboration to Ice Rink for Chaffee County. At Heart of the Rockies Medical Center, I managed large-scale project budgets and coordinated diverse teams, skills that translate seamlessly to developing community sports initiatives. Growing up in Minnesota instilled in me a deep love for hockey, and I’m passionate about sharing the thrill of the game with Chaffee County. I am excited to contribute to the growth of team sports in the area, especially by helping to foster a strong, local ice hockey culture.

Vice President - Mark Hammer

Hometown: New York, NY

Favorite Hockey Team: Colorado Avalanche, University of Denver, and Colorado College

How long have you lived in Chaffee County: 31 years

Asset / Skill you bring to IRCC: As a lifelong ice hockey enthusiast and local business owner, I bring an entrepreneurial spirit and a commitment to enhancing our community. I am dedicated to bringing an ice rink to Chaffee County, recognizing its potential to enrich the lives of our youth, adults, and visitors alike through social, recreational, athletic, and economic benefits.

**Treasurer - Rich Parker**

**Hometown:** New York, NY
**Favorite Hockey Team:** Pittsburgh Penguins
**How long have you lived in Chaffee County:** 5 years
**Asset / Skill you bring to IRCC:** With a strong background in finance, I bring strategic financial insight and a commitment to community development to Ice Rink for Chaffee County. My work with area non-profits focuses on expanding youth sports access, and I actively coach to help foster skills and teamwork in young athletes.

Nate Flint

**Hometown:**
**Favorite Hockey Team:** Colorado College
**How long have you lived in Chaffee County:**
**Asset / Skill you bring to IRCC:** Nate is a partner at BoardSpot, where he develops board management software to strengthen nonprofit governance. Nate brings valuable expertise in ice rink planning from his experience on the campus committee for Colorado College's Ed Robson Arena, a premier facility that opened in fall 2021. Nate’s background in project coordination and community-focused development adds a strategic perspective to our team, benefiting our efforts to build a high-quality, community-oriented ice rink.

Zach Spezze

Hometown: Gunnison and Salida, CO

Favorite Hockey Team: Colorado Avalanche, University of Denver, and Colorado College

How long have you lived in Chaffee County: 25 years

Asset / Skill you bring to IRCC: I bring hands-on experience in coordinating logistics and manual labor, including transporting and setting up the refrigerated ice rink glass, boards, bleachers, and refrigeration components from Colorado College to Salida. With five generations of family in Chaffee and Gunnison Counties, I have a deep local network and strong community ties. Growing up in Gunnison, I witnessed the development of its ice hockey programs and facilities, giving me unique insight into building a thriving hockey culture. A lifelong hockey enthusiast, I’ve played competitively in Gunnison’s adult leagues for 17 years. I am committed to supporting projects from planning to on-the-ground execution.

Chris Faust

Hometown:

Favorite Hockey Team: Colorado Avalanche

How long have you lived in Chaffee County: 23 years

Asset / Skill you bring to IRCC: Since moving to Salida with his wife, Abby, in 2001, Chris has been dedicated to bringing the joy of ice skating and hockey to the community. With a lifelong passion for the sport, Chris is enthusiastic about creating accessible local ice-skating opportunities for families, including his own. As an integral part of our ice management team, he works tirelessly to maintain optimal skating and hockey conditions, ensuring a safe and enjoyable experience for all. Chris’s commitment to this project reflects his broader dedication to enhancing recreational options for Salida’s residents and visitors alike.

In Honor of Al Brown

Founding Board President

Nov. 13, 1946 ~ Aug. 17, 2022

IRCC Board President Jan. 2020 - Jun. 2022

Al’s contributions to our skating community are beyond measure. We are profoundly grateful for the time we shared with Coach Brown—on the ice, in the boardroom, over a beer, and on the dance floor. His impact will be felt for generations.