Leadership biggest factor in success for Colorado Eagles

Veterans led the way for the Eagles to their first Pacific Division title in franchise history.

The Colorado Avalanche ended their season on a sour note, getting eliminated in seven games against the Dallas Stars. At the same time, the Colorado Eagles enjoyed their most successful season in franchise history. Colorado had the best home record in the American Hockey League at 26–6–2–2 and clinched the regular season Western Conference title in just Aaron Schneekloth’s second season as head coach. The key to all of this was veteran leadership.

“There’s no question that our veterans led the way,” said Schneekloth. “They did the heavy lifting, and I’m real proud of that. They were able to take some of our younger players under their wing and help with the development process and help with what it takes to be successful at this level and get to the next level and help them out with their careers. And I could just list many guys that fall into that category.”

Jayson Megna returned to the organization for the second time in his career. He signed a two-year, one-way AHL contract last summer. On October 8, 2024, the Colorado Eagles reappointed Megna as captain. Megna finished the season third in points on the team (19g/32a). Multiple rookies pointed out that Megna was a loud voice on the bench in times that matter. He never hesitated to come out and talk to the press and say what was on his mind. Megna would refuse to put the spotlight on himself, placing it on others that he felt deserved it more.

Jacob MacDonald was the center of the defensive core for the Eagles last season. Lovingly known as “JMac” around the halls of Blue Arena, MacDonald often set the tone for games. His one-timers produced a distinct sound audible from the other side of the rink. He was the top scoring defenseman in the AHL with 55 points and 31 goals. He broke a goal scoring record set by John Slaney in 1999–2000. Younger defensemen often spoke of how MacDonald took them under his wing and showed them the ropes of the AHL. MacDonald shouted to other players to get in position, guiding them through the professional transition. He has one more year with the organization remaining on a two-way NHL contract.

T.J. Tynan was key to sparking the Eagles’ offense throughout the entire season. His eight goals and 51 assists placed him fourth on the team in scoring. Tynan was another player, Like MacDonald and Megna, that returned to the organization for a second tour of duty. He provided a gritty style of play for his slight frame, becoming a spark plug the Eagles needed. Tynan will be a free agent on July 1st after his contract with the Colorado Avalanche expires.

The Eagles will have a lot of leadership returning to the team this upcoming season. Megna and MacDonald are the biggest keys to those roles for them. They provide over 1,200 games of NHL and AHL experience between the two of them alone. Both players can stay calm in intense game situations, showing the younger players that it can be done. Even though Tynan more than likely will not return to the Eagles, there are other players that will step-up in his place. Wyatt Aamodt is one player that comes to mind that Schneekloth has mentioned before. The coaches could tap Aamodt to take on a much larger leadership role this upcoming season. Either way, the trend has been over the last two years that leadership has become one of the most important things for the success of the Colorado Eagles.