In the spring of 2011, Kyle Sonnenburg graduated from the University of Waterloo as one of the greatest defencemen in the history of the men's hockey program. Now, after 12 years in the German professional ranks, he's returning to his alma mater to begin his career behind the bench.
The Warriors men's hockey program is proud to announce that Kyle Sonnenburg has been named the team's new full-time associate coach. The new role marks a homecoming for the Waterloo native, as he joins the staff of head coach Brian Bourque, who was Sonnenburg's bench boss during his playing career as a Warrior.
"I can't really explain how excited my family and I are for this opportunity," said Sonnenburg. "To get home and get back to UW is something we talked about for a long time, but we didn't really know if it would ever be possible. I'm very grateful and ready to get going."
Sonnenburg's on-ice resume speaks for itself: He was a two-time All-Canadian (2009, 2011), and was named an OUA all-star in all four years of his university career. He also claimed the OUA west division defenceman of the year award in both 2010 and 2011.
After graduation, Sonnenburg played nine seasons in Germany's top league, the DEL, before adding another three years in the DEL2. In the spring of 2022, Sonnenburg helped Löwen Frankfurt claim a DEL2 championship, before retiring from pro hockey at the conclusion of the 22-23 season. Now, as he transitions into a coaching role, Bourque thinks his new associate coach's extensive experience will make both an immediate and long-lasting impact.
"We're very excited to have Kyle join our coaching staff," said Bourque. "Being an alumnus brings an emotional attachment to the team, which we feel is important. And the fact that Kyle's played professionally for so many years will be great for our players. I think Kyle has known for a few years that he wants to get into coaching, so he's taken on a leadership role in recent years with his teams."
Sonnenburg has a unique perspective with both the league and the Warriors program, which should be mutually beneficial. And, the former Waterloo Wolves minor hockey star was also attracted to the prospects of returning home after over a decade overseas.
"I think it's a great league that's underrated to some extent, so helping players like me was very appealing," said Sonnenburg. "From a family side, we just had our first child, so getting back home near family was another big benefit of this opportunity. Hopefully I can pass along some knowledge from my playing career that helps guys out on the ice. But more than that, I hope I can be a resource for them off the ice to help them during and after their time at UW."
Sonnenburg has already started in his new role, and will be helping run summer hockey camps, as well as immersing himself back into the Warriors' systems and other offseason activities. The newest member of the staff will make his coaching debut on a familiar stage, as the Warriors will open their preseason with a three-city tour against a trio of DEL2 teams in Germany. Sonnenburg's first regular season game behind the bench will come at home, when the Warriors host the Laurier Golden Hawks on Thursday, Oct 5 at 7pm.
