Story Summary
Schwenninger Wild Wings have replaced assistant coach Jack Skille with Craig Streu. Skille, who joined the Wild Wings in the summer and worked with the team throughout pre-season, asked to end his contract early for personal reasons and is leaving at his own request. Managing director Stefan Wagner said the club respected Skille’s wish and worked immediately with head coach Steve Walker to find a replacement. Streu, 58, is a German-Canadian who most recently worked as assistant coach of the Dresdner Eislöwen in the PENNY DEL. His résumé also includes a spell as head coach in Selb, several years as an assistant coach with Eisbären Berlin, where he won three German championships, and coaching posts with the Vienna Capitals and ZSC Lions.
Key Facts
- The change was announced.
- Jack Skille asked to end his contract with Schwenninger Wild Wings early for personal reasons and is leaving at his own request.
- Skille joined the Wild Wings’ coaching staff in the summer and worked with the team throughout pre-season.
- Craig Streu appointed assistant coach to work alongside head coach Steve Walker.
- Craig Streu is 58 years old and is described as German-Canadian.
- Streu was most recently co-trainer of the Dresdner Eislöwen in the PENNY DEL.
- Streu’s previous roles include head coach in Selb and several years as an assistant coach with Eisbären Berlin, where he won three German championships.
- Streu has also held coaching positions with the Vienna Capitals and the ZSC Lions.
- Stefan Wagner, WILD WINGS managing director, said the club acted immediately with Steve Walker and was glad to have found a short-term solution in Craig Streu.
IHM Discussion
The Wild Wings’ change at assistant coach comes at a sensitive moment, just before the season opener. Skille’s departure after the full pre-season creates an immediate gap on the bench, which the club has moved quickly to fill. Streu brings extensive experience in German-speaking hockey, including three championship-winning seasons with Eisbären Berlin and recent work in Dresden. His background gives head coach Steve Walker an experienced assistant familiar with the demands of the PENNY DEL as the season begins.
Why It Matters
A coaching change after pre-season can disrupt established routines as the competitive schedule begins. Streu’s experience gives the Wild Wings an established coach to add alongside Steve Walker rather than leaving a vacancy on the bench.
Mini Q&A
Who has left the Schwenninger Wild Wings coaching staff?
Jack Skille asked to end his contract early for personal reasons and is leaving the Wild Wings at his own request.
Who replaces Jack Skille as assistant coach?
Craig Streu has been appointed assistant coach and will work alongside head coach Steve Walker.
When was the change announced?
The change was announced.
What is Craig Streu’s coaching background?
Streu, 58, is a German-Canadian who most recently worked as assistant coach of the Dresdner Eislöwen in the PENNY DEL. He has also been head coach in Selb, spent several years as an assistant coach with Eisbären Berlin, where he won three German championships, and held coaching posts with the Vienna Capitals and ZSC Lions.
Did Skille work through pre-season?
Yes. Skille joined the Wild Wings in the summer and worked with the team throughout pre-season before asking to leave.