Avalanche's Video Coach Brett Heimlich Is the Unsung Hero of the Coaching Staff

The longest-tenured member of the Colorado Avalanche coaching staff is perhaps its most valuable, according to head coach Jared Bednar.

Jan. 28, 2026 at 8:39am

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Brett Heimlich, the video coach for the Colorado Avalanche, is the unsung hero of the team's coaching staff. Heimlich joined the Avalanche one year prior to head coach Jared Bednar's arrival and is responsible for preparing all the video and analytics that the coaching staff uses to game plan and make in-game adjustments. Bednar says the team "wouldn't be able to operate without him" and that Heimlich does the work of two or three video coaches on other teams. Heimlich's job has evolved over the years, from initially just throwing t-shirts into the crowd to now being the key link between the video and the coaching staff.

Why it matters

Heimlich's role as video coach is crucial to the Avalanche's success, as he provides the coaching staff with the detailed video and analytics they need to develop game plans and make in-game adjustments. His work behind the scenes allows the on-ice coaches to focus on their roles, and his ability to quickly provide relevant information has been a major asset for the team. As the NHL's coach's challenge system has become more complex, Heimlich's expertise in that area has also been invaluable.

The details

Heimlich joined the Avalanche in 2015, one year before Bednar became the head coach. He started out in a more basic role with the San Jose Sharks, but quickly expanded his responsibilities and became an integral part of the coaching staff. Now, Heimlich prepares around 100 video clips per game on the opposing team's 5-on-5 play, as well as special teams and other key areas. He communicates with the assistant coaches throughout games to provide insights that can lead to challenges or in-game adjustments. Heimlich's long tenure with the team and close working relationship with Bednar and the other coaches allows the Avalanche to operate efficiently with a smaller coaching staff than many other NHL teams.

  • Heimlich joined the Avalanche in 2015, one year prior to Jared Bednar's arrival as head coach.
  • In January 2026, Heimlich was working a game ahead, having already watched the last two games of the Avalanche's next opponent, the Anaheim Ducks, before the team had even played the Washington Capitals.

The players

Brett Heimlich

The video coach for the Colorado Avalanche, who is the longest-tenured member of the team's coaching staff and is considered invaluable by head coach Jared Bednar.

Jared Bednar

The head coach of the Colorado Avalanche, who has worked closely with Brett Heimlich since Bednar joined the team in 2016.

Dave Hakstol

An assistant coach for the Colorado Avalanche, who works closely with Brett Heimlich on the coach's challenge system.

Nathan MacKinnon

A star player for the Colorado Avalanche who has expressed frustration with the subjectivity of the NHL's goaltender interference rules.

Martin Necas

A player for the Colorado Avalanche whose goal was disallowed due to a goaltender interference challenge in a game against the Washington Capitals.

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What they’re saying

“We wouldn't be able to operate without him.”

— Jared Bednar, Head Coach (The Denver Gazette)

“Like (Bednar) says, they're never right. The coaches are never right. No, 'Bedsy' says that. They have no idea what counts. Nobody does.”

— Nathan MacKinnon (The Denver Gazette)

“Has (coach's challenge) made my job harder? Absolutely. You get it wrong, or you provide wrong information, you've got the 20 players on the ice that are mad. Then you've got management, got coaches, you've got the whole world. When you get it right, you're the king. When it's wrong, it's bad.”

— Brett Heimlich, Video Coach (The Denver Gazette)

What’s next

The Avalanche will continue to rely heavily on Brett Heimlich's expertise as they push for another Stanley Cup championship. His ability to quickly provide the coaching staff with crucial video and analytics will be key as the team navigates the grueling NHL schedule and aims to defend their title.

The takeaway

Brett Heimlich's role as the Avalanche's video coach highlights the importance of having dedicated, behind-the-scenes staff who can provide the coaching team with the information and insights they need to succeed. While Heimlich may not get the same level of recognition as the on-ice players or the head coach, his contributions are invaluable to the team's overall success.