The Colorado Avalanche have added a little bit more coaching experience to their AHL coaching staff, and it comes in the form of someone who the organization is very familiar with.
Steve Konowalchuk, who finished his NHL playing career as a member of the Avalanche, has been hired to be the Associate Head Coach of the Colorado Eagles. The 50 year old spent two seasons as an Assistant Coach for the Avalanche over a decade ago, and has 8 seasons of head coaching experience in the WHL. His most recent job in the NHL was as Assistant Coach of the Anaheim Ducks during the 2017-18 season.
“We’re excited to have ‘Kono’ back with the Avalanche organization,” said Avalanche Assistant General Manager Kevin McDonald. “His involvement in hockey spans over three decades as a player, coach and scout at the NHL level as well as a successful run as a head coach in the WHL. Not only does he bring an extensive hockey and coaching background but he is passionate, a great communicator and understands the development side of the game as well. We look forward to having him join Aaron and Tim behind the Eagles bench this season.”
On the ice, Konowalchuk’s stint with the Avalanche was short, lasting only 97 games, but he was a very popular player among the fan base. He was forced to retire in 2006 due to a heart condition called Long QT Syndrome. It was discovered before the start of the 2006 season during medical testing when he arrived for training camp.
Konowalchuk was most recently the Head Coach of the Red Deer Rebels in the WHL, where he compiled an 88-38-10 record. Prior to that, he won a WHL title as Head Coach of the Seattle Thunderbirds.
He joins an Eagles coaching staff that currently consists of Head Coach Aaron Schneekloth and assistant Tim Branham.
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