TEAM & LEADERSHIP

Martin “Dawg Father” Richardson is the original Dawg. He started the Dawg Hockey Club in 2003 and has been very instrumental in the building of what Dawg Nation has become today. Our President/CEO is a native of England but grew up in Colorado loving sports and the outdoors. Martin has been a practicing CPA for over 25 years, working with many of the hockey families that make up Dawg Nation.

As a graduate of Metro State University, Martin starred for the Roadrunners on the soccer field, earning him a place in the University’s Hall of Fame. He currently captains and plays for the Old Dawgs in the SDOHL and typically organizes a team at all of our events. His hockey passion runs deep and started on his parents’ outdoor rink in Indian Hills, Colorado.

Our leader is married (Cindy) with three daughters. Like many of members on Dawg Nation, Martin enjoys coaching kids and giving back to the community. Martin has been recognized for his community service on many occasions. In 2012, he won the Channel 7 Everyday Hero award and was finalist for the Colorado Youth soccer coach of the year. In 2014, Martin was honored as the Colorado Rapids Community MVP and finished second in the MLS league wide voting for the prestigious MLS Community MVP. In 2015, Martin was once again a finalist for the Colorado State Youth Soccer Coach of the Year and was also named the Channel 4 “Game Changer” for the month of February. In 2021, the Dawg Father was recognized again as he was named a finalist for the NHL’s coveted “Willie O’Ree Community Award”.

With over three decades of experience playing recreational hockey and a lifelong passion for giving back, Jesse Sanders brings heart, leadership, and a deep love for the game to his role as Chairman of the Board for Dawg Nation. Since joining the board in 2024, Jesse has been committed to making a meaningful impact in the lives of hockey players and families facing hardship, helping extend the foundation’s mission of compassion, community, and support.

Over the past 14 years, Dawg Nation has given more than $5.5 million to those in need, and Jesse is honored to help lead an organization that turns passion into purpose through fundraising events, outreach, and support when it’s needed most.

Beyond the rink, Jesse is the founder and CEO of three thriving software development companies, where he guides executive teams to foster a culture of excellence and client-centered success. His leadership style is driven by empathy, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to supporting others — values that align perfectly with Dawg Nation’s mission.

He has also actively participated in numerous hockey-related fundraisers over the years, including initiatives for the Special Olympics and other charitable organizations close to his heart.

Based in Littleton, Colorado, Jesse shares a lively home with his wife Juls, four kids, three dogs, and two cats — and a steady stream of visiting family. When he’s not on the ice or in the office, you’ll find him golfing, snowboarding, riding dirt bikes with his son, or training for his next triathlon.

Born in Minnesota then a longtime resident of Colorado where his family was born and established roots. Many years of hockey up to the College Club level and then 15+ years of coaching as both a parent and non-parent Coach (Level 4) at various ages from Mites up through High School. Served 6 years as a Director at large inside a local youth hockey organization where responsibilities included management of the youth hockey financial aid that allowed disadvantaged families to play the game. Alongside the passion of hockey, is a 20 history of various roles inside the Defense industry from Individual contributor at large organizations through Executive roles at start-up defense contract companies.

A proud Colorado native, Lucas E. Bisbee has been a dedicated member of the hockey community since 1996. From playing youth hockey locally to becoming a professional linesman, Lucas has built a lifelong career on the ice. Since 2012, he has officiated in some of the top leagues in North America, including the American Hockey League (AHL) and the National Collegiate Hockey Conference (NCHC), with additional experience in the ECHL, SPHL, USHL, and NAHL.

Off the ice, Lucas is a Partner with New York Life and Eagle Strategies, where he leads a team of financial advisors. His professional life is also shaped by a deep commitment to the autism community—having previously run an extreme sports camp for children and adults on the spectrum.

Lucas’s roots in Colorado hockey run deep. Before rising through the officiating ranks, he worked at the Edge Ice Arena and the University of Colorado, managing the pro shop and driving the Zamboni.

He joined the Dawg Nation Board of Directors in 2024, bringing with him a unique blend of professional insight, community spirit, and a lifelong passion for the game.

Lucas lives in Colorado with his wife Ashley, step-daughter Blake, son Declan and two dogs Kodi and Obi. Together, they share a love for hockey, family, and giving back to the community.

Dave is a native of New Hampshire who moved to Colorado for graduate school at CSU in 1976 and never moved back. Prior to the move, he was proud to be the worst player on one of the worst high school ice hockey teams in the state. Although some of his hockey skills have improved slightly since then, his skating speed has regressed from slow to slower and his slap shot is still timed by a sun dial. Dave coached in the Arvada Hockey Association for 9 years, winning State Championships at the Peewee and Bantam levels with former Dawg Nation board member Mike Pijanowski. He joined the Dawgs in 2005, and joins his Hockey Heals family on the ice every Wednesday morning. He has been honored to serve on the Dawg Nation Board of Directors since 2015, and currently is the chairman of our Recipients Committee.

Dave is a Sr. Vice President of the 6,000-employee international environmental/engineering consulting firm CDM Smith Inc., and enjoys mountain climbing throughout Colorado and all over the world when not at work or in some ice rink. He lives in Evergreen. His wife Karen was a big supporter of Dawg Nation for many years and sadly passed away in 2023.

Braileigh Hollis discovered her love for hockey in 2013 after meeting her now-husband, an “original Dawg”. Through him, she not only learned the ins and outs of the sport, but was also introduced to the inspiring community and mission behind DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation. She believes the hockey community is truly salt of the earth.

In 2024 after years of volunteering and cheering from the bleachers, Braileigh joined the Board of Directors. With more time to give after retiring from a 21-year career in the electric utility industry, she is excited to further support an organization that makes such a meaningful impact. At her core, Braileigh is passionate about uplifting others, brightening their days, and being part of something bigger than herself. 

Braileigh is a Colorado native, avid distance runner, enthusiastic traveler, and devoted home cook. Braileigh and her husband share their life with a spirited Rhodesian Ridgeback. 

Rob “Superfan” Packard has been a part of Dawg Nation since his boys took to the ice in 1995, a part of the foundation since its inception, and has seen first-hand the immeasurable difference the foundation has made in the lives of others. This became especially powerful when his oldest son was diagnosed with cancer in 2009 and became a recipient and, ultimately, a survivor… who subsequently went on to help launch the incredibly successful Survivor’s Game. Rob not only cheers on the Dawgs but has been known to don a pair of skates.

A successful businessman and CEO for over 40 years here in the Denver area, Rob strives to support others as they pursue personal and professional (as well as hockey) goals.

Married to his biggest fan, and best friend, Kelli, they have two boys of their own, and a full hockey line of extras that they’ve helped raise. Next in line is teaching the six grandkids how to play hockey.

Andrew Perzi was born in New York, raised in Arizona, and had skates on his feet before he could form full sentences. With hockey pulsing through the veins of his dad and older brother Mark, it was only a matter of time before Andrew was chasing pucks too. He played competitively until 18—and like anyone who’s truly loved the game, he never lost the itch.

After graduating from Arizona State University, Andrew dove into the construction industry, where his knack for sales and service led him to a successful career helping commercial contractors with heavy equipment rentals and sales. Over 8 years his journey took him across Colorado, Texas, Louisiana and then back to Colorado before landing in the waste world with Blue Bear Waste Services. It was there, in 2018, that Blue Bear’s founders invited him to his first Dawg Nation event the Dawg Bowl. One survivor game was all it took – he was hooked.

In 2024, he joined the Dawg Nation board, bringing his passion for hockey, fundraising, and helping others full circle. Now based in Arizona for Blue Bear’s expansion, he supports the foundation from afar—with no shortage of energy.

When Andrew’s not working or raising money for a great cause, you’ll find him on the ice, golf course, slopes, hunting, fishing or anywhere outdoors. He’s an adventurer, a hobbyist, and a guy who’s always up for good eats and a better story. Proud to be part of Dawg Nation and even prouder to give back to the game that gave him so much.

Patrick grew up playing hockey on the ponds of New Hampshire, starting at 5 years old. When he moved to Colorado in 2007, he had a deposit down on an RMHL team roster spot before he had one down on an apartment. He continues to be an active member of several men’s league teams around Denver. 

Personally, his ties to the organization are deep. He was introduced to DAWG Nation by his partner, Shannon Kelly, who lost her father, Jack, in 2011 to a rare autoimmune disease. Jack is one of the Foundational Five, a teammate and close friend of our President & CEO Marty, and a major part of why the DAWG Nation Hockey Foundation exists. 

Professionally, his eclectic career path spans sportswriting, education, digital product design & consulting. As Associate Director of DAWG Nation, Pat supports everything from operations, event & volunteer management, sponsorships & grant writing, program oversight, communications, marketing and much more to ensure the organization stays strong, secure and viable well into the future. 

Chip grew up in upstate New York. Chip started skating when he was 2 years old and started organized hockey when he was 5 years old.
Chip played on many travel teams as well as high school hockey and was also blessed enough to play some college hockey.
Chip moved to Colorado in 1991 to finish college at the University of Colorado Boulder.
While in Colorado Chip was a professional hockey instructor. He instructed all age groups from mites to midgets. He also coached a AA travel hockey team out of Hyland Hills hockey Association.

Chip started a sales career in the high tech industry in 1997.
In 2009 Jesus showed up and called Chip to him. Chip served as a lay pastor in his church. In 2015 Chip began working part time as a Corporate Chaplain with Marketplace Chaplains.
In 2018 after 21 years in corporate sales , Chip left his sales career and started working full time with Marketplace Chaplains. Chip now enjoys working as a Senior Vice President.
Chip and his wife Stacy have three boys Danny, Colin and Finn.

Stacy and Chip have been married since 1997 and they live on the side of a mountain in Conifer, Colorado.

Andrew has been around the game of hockey for over 20 years. He originally contributed to Dawg Nation by being a participant in many Dawg Bowls over the years. He also has done sports photography for Dawg Nation. Off and on he has helped Dawg Nation with IT support, and officially joined the organization in 2024 to support the organization with IT needs. Andrew has also assumed responsibility of the foundation’s website and has keep events, blog posts, fundraisers, and recipients up to date with the help of the Dawg Nation team. 

Jared Bednar is the winningest coach in Colorado Avalanche history. In nine seasons with the burgundy and blue, Jared has taken his time to the playoffs nine times and led his team to the Stanley Cup in 2022. He is only coach in professional hockey history to win the championship in the ECHL (Kelly Cup), the AHL (Calder Cup) and the NHL (Stanley Cup). As a native of Humboldt, Saskatchewan, Jared is a huge supporter of the Humboldt Broncos and is an integral part of the annual Humboldt Bronco Memorial Golf Tournament.

Jared is also big supporter of DAWG Nation and consistently provides his time, money and support to our cause. His selflessness and humility make him the perfect advocate and someone that consistently puts others before himself. Jared and his wife, Susan, reside in the Denver area and also enjoy time in South Carolina.

Milan Hejduk spent his entire 14 year NHL career with the Colorado Avalanche. His remarkable hockey resume’ includes a Stanley Cup, a Maurice “Rocket” Richard trophy, three all-star game appearances, an Olympic Gold Medal and induction into the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame! Milan holds the Avalanche record for regular season games played and scored 881 points in his illustrious career. However, his incredible mark upon hockey doesn’t end there, as he has not only supported Dawg Nation over the years with donations of memorabilia and attendance at many of our events, but also with his generous gift of time.

Milan is very active with the Avalanche alumni and also enjoys coaching hockey, playing golf and spending time with his family. He and his lovely wife Zlata reside in Parker. His twin boys, David and Marek both play hockey for Harvard University.

Jan Hejda played over ten years in the NHL with the Edmonton Oilers, Columbus Blue Jackets, and the Colorado Avalanche. A defenseman from Czech Republic, Jan played over 600 games in the NHL before retiring in 2016. He also played for his home country in the World Juniors, World Championships, and the Olympics.

Jan lived in Denver for several years with his wife Tereza, daughter Natalia, and son Matheas before relocating to Minnesota, and most recently Illinois.

He has been very active with Dawg Nation for many years giving back his time and donation of memorabilia and attendance at many events. In 2023, Jan spent countless hours preparing Prior Lake Minnesota for a pond hockey tournament in support of Minnesota’s own Ethan Glynn. Without Jan’s hard work, the tournament would not have been possible. Jan makes several trips to Colorado each year to be part of Dawg Nation events and continues to spread the word about the organization. He has spent several years as a coach for youth hockey and currently coaches the Jr. Dawgs that are part of his organization, DZone Hockey a program designed for players to promote independence and self-confidence all while making new friends and learning exciting new skills.