A Tribute to Head Coach Rick Traugott: January 2, 1965 - August 12, 2024
Rick tragically passed away unexpectedly only 3+ days ahead of the Aeros Fall Training
Camp, to which he had excitedly looked forward. Not only the Head Coach of both of
U18 and U22 Aeros teams for 2024-25, he was a mentor, friend, colleague, a true
hockey enthusiast, and a terrific leader with great passion for creating a fun and
welcoming environment where players could be themselves and become more
successful on and off the ice. To know Rick was to love him, and the crowds which
overflowed the chapel at his memorial service were a fitting testament to all the lives he
deeply touched.
Rick was adamant that character and work ethic mattered more than anything, in both
hockey and life, and he was an exceptional role model of those qualities. He was
remarkably humble, kind, authentic, as well as deeply caring, and he truly embraced
and embodied our longstanding Aeros values. One of his favourite sayings was that his #1
aim was to make sure that the two to three hours players spend at the rink should be the
best part of their day.
Rick’s enthusiasm and optimism were striking, and infectious. His perspective wasn’t
just “glass half full”, it was “glass overflowing”. Rick has made a great impact on
everyone in our organization in a myriad of ways over the past two years.
One of his last initiatives was creating the Aeros 50th Anniversary logo. While we mourn
that he is unable to celebrate our 50th season with us, he will certainly remain with us all
in spirit. Rick has been instrumental to ensuring that the Aeros legacy he epitomized
will endure long after his passing.
