Nelson, Schneekloth Both Returning to Eagles
Teams' First Announced Signings of Offseason Narrow Veteran Dilemma
WINDSOR, Colo. - The Governors' Cup champion Colorado Eagles announced today that veterans Riley Nelson and Aaron Schneekloth will be a part of their 2009-10 roster; their returns represent the Northern Conference champions' first announced signings of the offseason.
Both Nelson (entering his seventh-year as an Eagle) and Schneekloth (entering his fourth) are coming off, arguably, the best seasons of their respective careers. Both players were named to the All-CHL Team, while Nelson was voted the best overall player in the league by his peers and Schneekloth was named the CHL's Most Outstanding Defenseman.
Nelson has been a member of the team since its inaugural season of 2003-04, acting as an assistant captain since 2004-05. In addition to holding several team records, he's the franchise's all-time leading point producer with 496 points (200-296-496) in 369 games, and his 20 short-handed goals, +178 plus/minus rating and .147 shooting percentage are also team highs for a career.
Schneekloth has become the second-highest scoring defenseman in franchise history in just three seasons in Colorado, tallying 161 points (50-111-161) in 170 games. His 50 goals place him first among Colorado defensemen all-time and he's the only Eagles blueliner to ever record a hat trick (both times against Amarillo). The Calgary, Alberta native posted a CHL-best plus/minus rating of +39 last season and was also voted the league's best offensive defenseman by his peers.
The Eagles have two remaining veteran spots open, with three veteran players (Greg Pankewicz, Ryan Tobler and Ed McGrane) left from last year's team.