🚨 GAME-CHANGER: Derek Army Joins Colorado Eagles as Assistant Coach in Blockbuster Move to Elevate AHL Powerhouse……………..

July 14, 2025 – Colorado Springs, CO – In a significant shake-up of its coaching personnel, the Colorado Eagles of the American Hockey League (AHL) have officially named Derek Army as an Assistant Coach on the staff of newly appointed head coach Mark Letestu. Army, who recently concluded a highly successful tenure as the head coach of the ECHL’s Wheeling Nailers, is set to bring fresh energy, tactical insight, and a strong developmental mindset to the Eagles’ bench.

From ECHL Success to AHL Opportunity

Army’s ascension to the AHL level caps an impressive climb through professional hockey’s developmental system. At just 34 years old, Army helmed the Wheeling Nailers with distinction, guiding them to a remarkable 43‑25‑4 record during the 2024‑25 season—the most wins the franchise has seen since 2005‑06. Under his leadership, Wheeling earned a reputation as a top-tier contender, combining disciplined play with a winning culture in the locker room.

Army’s coaching resume in Wheeling is nothing short of stellar. Since being promoted to interim head coach in April 2021, he racked up over 153 wins in 309 games, clinched three playoff appearances, and became the all-time winningest coach in Nailers history. This success followed solid experience as an assistant coach with both the Worcester Railers and Wheeling, spanning the 2018–19 and 2019–20 seasons.

🎯 Bringing a Winning Mindset to Colorado

The move to the Colorado Eagles is more than a title change—it’s a leap upward into the AHL’s competitive layer directly beneath the NHL. Army will report to Letestu, a former NHL forward, and join assistant coach Dave Hakstol. Together, this coaching trio replaces the former staff of Dan Hinote, Aaron Schneekloth, and Ray Bennett.

Army’s pedigree is steeped in player development. During his extended Wheeling tenure, 33 players earned promotions to the AHL, including 18 who began the season on ECHL contracts. That upward trajectory is exactly what the Eagles—and their NHL affiliate, the Colorado Avalanche—are banking on as they seek to cultivate talent ready for the highest level.

🧠 A Hockey Bloodline

Hockey runs deep in the Army family. Derek is the son of longtime coach Tim Army, who served as an assistant with the Colorado Avalanche from 2011 to 2017 and is currently head coach of the AHL’s Iowa Wild. Derek’s upbringing in a rink-side coaching environment gave him early exposure to scouting, strategy, and management—tools he’s leveraged throughout his career.

📈 What This Means for the Eagles

For the Colorado Eagles, Army represents a blend of youthful drive and established competence. His scouting acumen, systems-thinking, and compassionate leadership dovetail perfectly with the Avalanche’s organizational values. Joining Letestu and Hakstol, Army will lead the charge in developing prospects and crafting a winning identity for Colorado in the 2025–26 AHL season.

Mark Letestu remarked, “We’re thrilled to add Derek to our staff—his track record in Wheeling speaks volumes.” With Army on board, the Eagles’ bench boasts heightened energy, strategic versatility, and profound insight into the journey from junior leagues to the NHL

🏒 Looking Ahead

As the Eagles prepare for training camp later this month, all eyes will be on the new coaching setup. Army’s arrival shines a spotlight on Colorado’s long-term vision: placing player development at the core of its mission while positioning the team as a powerhouse in the AHL.

The appointment signals an exciting new era for Derek Army—a coach with a winning past, ambitious future, and deep hockey roots. Colorado fans have every reason to be optimistic as the Eagles take flight under their new coaching powerho

Key Details at a Glance

New Position: Assistant Coach, Colorado Eagles (AHL) — July 14, 2025

Age: 34; son of veteran coach Tim Army

Last Team: Head Coach, Wheeling Nailers (ECHL) — 43‑25‑4 record, playoff appearances, franchise-high wins

Development Impact: 33 players promoted to AHL in last two seasons