WINSOR, Colo. — Colorado Eagles’ head coach Aaron Schneekloth has accepted a role as assistant coach for the Seattle Kraken of the NHL. So the hunt for a new head coach for the Eagles will begin as of Tuesday. This news comes shortly after associate coach and former Colorado Avalanche forward Dan Hinote accepted an assistant coach position with the Tampa Bay Lightning.
WELCOME ABOARD! ⚓️
Head Coach Lane Lambert has rounded out the coaching staff with the addition of Assistant Coaches Aaron Schneekloth and Chris Taylor and Goaltending Coach Colin Zulianello → https://t.co/pKvjfZCuW5 pic.twitter.com/rF4mvIL0ha
— Seattle Kraken (@SeattleKraken) June 17, 2025
History as an Eagles player
Schneekloth has been with the Colorado Eagles as a player or coach since 2006–07. As a player, he was with the team from 2006 to 2013. His number 23 is one of five numbers that hangs in the rafters of Blue Arena in Loveland. Schneekloth is second in the franchise in games played (382) behind captain Riley Nelson (657). As a defenseman, Schneekloth also put up the points. He sits fifth in the franchise for all-time points with 356 and fourth in assists with 245.
History as an Eagles coach
The Calgary native stayed in Colorado after his playing days and became an assistant coach with the Eagles in the ECHL for three seasons. Lovingly named “Schneeks” by the staff and media, he would take over as head coach for the 2016–17 season. His calm demeanor guided the Eagles to back-to-back Kelly Cup Championships before their promotion to the American Hockey League. The Avalanche kept Schneekloth on the staff as an assistant coach under Greg Cronin, who would leave for an opportunity with the Anaheim Ducks.
Aaron Schneekloth celebrates his second Keely Cup Championship (Photo courtesy of Colorado Eagles)
As an AHL head coach, Schneekloth led the Eagles to the playoffs in his first season. The following year, the former defenseman led the Eagles to their best record since joining the AHL and regular season conference title. The Eagles would make it to the Division Finals, being eliminated in five games (of five) against the Abbotsford Canucks (VAN).
Aaron Schneekloth looks over practice on May 6, 2025. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Butterly/Colorado Eagles)
He was always willing to meet with the media, even after a terrible game. Schneekloth often apologized for making them wait just five minutes. His knowledge of the game bled out in his answers to questions and his compassion for his players is the reason for his success.
