Aaron Schneekloth, from Eagles’ Sweater to Whistle
Apr 4, 2023
By Nicole Boldrin
Colorado Eagles Assistant Coach Aaron Schneekloth has had quite the evolution since he traded his Eagles sweater for a whistle.
Over the 11 years Schneekloth played professionally as a defenseman, seven were spent in an Eagles jersey, from 2006 to 2013. After the conclusion of the 2012-13 season, Schneekloth
knew it was time to transition from a player to a coach, and he’s been in that role ever since.
“I felt like my body told me it was time to move on,” Schneekloth said. “When I got the opportunity to get hired as an assistant and stay on with the team it was an honor, but a difficult transition after playing with so many teammates for so long. However, my teammates respected my decision and helped me grow as a coach.”
There were many obstacles Schneekloth faced as he made this big adjustment in his career.
“There were a lot of challenges,” he said. “As a player, your mindset is focused on coming to the rink with yourself prepared for practices, games, and conditioning. You’re more focused on what you’re doing as a player, but as a coach you’re worried about the collective group.”
Although the Calgary, Alberta native believes former Eagles head coach Chris Stewart, as well as coaches over the years have influenced his coaching style, it’s important to craft your own individual style in order to be successful whether you are a player or a coach.
“When you play, your performance is shaped by a lot of the coaches and the teammates that you play with,” Schneekloth said. It’s important to hone your craft over the year. Chris Stewart played an instrumental role in my success as a Colorado Eagle and he is the one who gave me the opportunity to start my coaching career.”
The following impactful piece of advice Schneekloth was given during his transition as a coach will never be forgotten and he would like to pay it forward to others who are at different stages of their coaching careers.
“You have to be yourself when you coach. If you try to be somebody else or somebody you're not, the guys will find out real quick and it’s not going to be a good look.”
In addition, Coach Schneekloth also has suggestions for players looking to make the jump from college athletics, the ECHL, AHL, or NHL.
“All the small details and small habits are required to give yourself that chance,” he said. “Everyone at this level is a good skater, is strong, and has good skill so it’s all the small intangibles that will help a player get to the next level.”
Schneekloth has accomplished many things thus far in his career, starting with an NCAA championship with the University of North Dakota in 2000. In addition, Schneekloth won a CHL championship in 2007 with the Eagles as a player, and as a coach he won back-to-back ECHL Kelly Cup championships in 2017 and 2018. Furthermore, he was a four-time All-Star and was named the ECHL’s defenseman of the year in 2012.
On March 22, 2019, Schneekloth’s Eagles sweater with the number 23 was raised above a crowd in a ceremony as his jersey was retired and will hang forever in the Budweiser Events Center.
“It was a tremendous honor to have your name and number recognized with an organization you have played with. It’s truly the highest honor. My former teammates, Chris Stewart, and the people that helped me be successful are the reason why it’s up there. And the fans. For 20 years this building has been full every single night and it still gives me goosebumps and chills thinking about it whether you’re stepping onto the ice or stepping behind that bench and you see that crowd, the motivation and extra energy they continue to give our team every single night is incredible.”
Schneekloth aspires to move up the ladder and eventually become a head coach. He believes if and when the opportunity comes, he will be prepared for those next steps, which will include bringing his genuine authenticity. Evolving in one’s personal or professional life is necessary and based on Schneekloth’s premise “only time will tell what’s next in one’s journey.”
