This season is different. Strong offense and a defensive roster with the capability to score goals has made it difficult for opponents to find a weak link. The 2024–2025 Colorado Eagles are a force to be reckoned with, and are soon to make history.

After an entire season of hard work, the Colorado Eagles have the potential to bring home their first AHL Division Championship banner.

Historically

In July 2023, they promoted former Eagles player Aaron Schneekloth to head coach after he served as Colorado’s assistant coach. During his first season, the team took fourth in the Pacific Division and was knocked out of playoffs in the first round against the Abbotsford Canucks (VAN).

In some ways, it seems success follows him. Despite only being his second season as head coach, he has plenty of experience with leading a team to success.

Starting at the ECHL level in 2016, he helped coach the team to two Kelly Cup victories.

“I just know I’m surrounded by great people,” he said in an interview after back-to-back victories. “Including every single player that puts that jersey on the staff, ownership, Eagles, front office, Avalanche, management, everyone. They’re great people, and when you have a culture like that to work for, it makes it fun coming to your job every single day. And we’ve got a great leadership group and guys that push and invest in getting better and helping one another get better. And you know, that’s a pretty good recipe.”

Big moves

Besides Schneekloth taking the lead, Colorado majorly shook up the lineup, with many favored players leaving the system.

Captain and defenseman Brad Hunt signed with the Hershey Bears (WSH). He notched 16 goals and 35 assists in the 2023–2024 season. Heavy hitter Riley Tufte (20G/20A) is now part of the Boston Bruins system.

Luckily for the Eagles, not all of their notable players left the organization, and many earned a promotion to their NHL affiliate, the Colorado Avalanche. Defenseman Sam Malinski earned himself a permanent spot on the big stage, joining Joel Kiviranta.

With so much movement, it also meant there was room to pick up players to boost success. Forward Chris Wagner was on a fiery streak, tallying 11 straight games with at least one point.

One of the biggest difference makers has been defenseman Jacob MacDonald. He has just broken the single season record for goals by a defenseman set by John Slaney in 1999–2000. His offensive capability from the blue line has been invaluable to the success of the team.

Even with seemingly permanent movements and powerful acquisitions, there have been several recalls, sometimes leaving the Eagles without their key players for several games.

Despite all the movement, the team has worked hard to maintain a sound system and adapt to last-minute absences on the ice.

What’s next?

The end of the regular season wraps up on Saturday, April 19.

If the Eagles pick up at least one point in their remaining three games, they will clinch the Pacific Division and earn a bye to the second round of playoffs. If they play well enough and stay ahead of the Milwaukee Admirals (NSH), they will also clinch the Western Conference title.

But, it will be no walk in the park. Their next two matchups are against teams they have historically struggled against, and the games will be tight. If they lose both, they risk forfeiting both of their potential titles.

If they can hold on to their position in both regards, it would be the first AHL Division Champion and Western Conference Champion banners raised in Blue Arena.

By the end of this week, seeding will be solid, and playoffs will begin. The Eagles lost a disappointing game to the Ontario Reign (LAK) 4–2 on Wednesday before heading to back-to-back games against the Tucson Roadrunners (UTA) on April 18 and 19. Games are available to stream on FloHockey.com.