Kleckner returns to the Stampede in an elevated role as Assistant Coach for the 2025-2026 season. Last season, Kleckner served as a Player Development Coach for the Stampede, working with players on their individual skill sets both on and off the ice.
Kleckner also serves as the Head Coach for the Sioux Falls Power 14U AAA team. Last season, he served as the Assistant Coach for the Sioux Falls Power 15O AAA and 16U AAA teams, helping lead both to USA Hockey National Tournament appearances. He worked specifically with the defensemen, aiding in the development of several NCAA DI commitments and USHL Draft picks, such as Easton Johnson (NTDP, Michigan), Brayden Thompson (Youngstown, Nebraska-Omaha), and Hudson Kowalchuk (Omaha).
Prior to his time in Sioux Falls, Kleckner coached for the Charlotte Rush of the USPHL for two seasons, leading the team to consecutive national tournament appearances.
Prior to coaching in Charlotte, Kleckner started his coaching career as an Assistant Coach for the Arcadia University Men’s Ice Hockey team during its inaugural season as an NCAA program. He assisted in building the program from scratch during the COVID-19 pandemic alongside current Robert Morris University NCAA DI Assistant Coach Vincent Pietrangelo.
Kleckner is also no stranger to the Stampede staff, as he was a team captain on Head Coach Ryan Cruthers’ Charlotte Rush national title team in 2017. In 2016, he also helped build the program as one of the first players in program history.
Kleckner resides in Sioux Falls with his wife, Emily, and their two sons, Trace and Jackson.
