Colorado Avalanche is an ice hockey team based in Denver, Colorado. The franchise was originally in Quebec and it was called Quebec Nordiques. The relocation to Colorado took place in 1995. Avalanche has won two Stanley Cups: the first championship was won in the first year in Denver. Another championship was achieved in season 2000-01. The team has also won two Presidents’ Trophies and total of nine division championships.

Basic information

The team colours of Colorado Avalanche are burgundy, blue, silver and black. Their general manager is Joe Sakic, a living legend that played a long career in Nordiques / Avalanche teams. The head coach of Avalanche is Jared Bednar, a former minor league player. Avalanche has two minor league affiliate teams, which are Colorado Eagles in AHL league and Utah Grizzlies in ECHL league. Avalanche plays their home matches in Pepsi Center, which is also used by Denver Nuggets of NBA basketball league. The capacity of the home arena is appr. 18 000 for ice hockey matches.

Short history

Quebec Nordiques played in WHA league between years 1972 and 1979. They joined NHL with three other WHL teams and for starters, things looked bright for them. During the less successful years, the financial status of the franchise got worse and better success in the league during later years didn’t help too much. As a result, the franchise was sold to Denver in 1995.

Colorado Avalanche was able to field an excellent team to their first NHL season – they e.g. acquired legendary Patrick Roy from Montreal. As a result, they managed to win the Stanley Cup after their first season in Denver – an achievement that no relocated team did not make during their first season in the new location. After their second Stanley Cup in 2001, the Avalanche success has been more limited, but during the 2010’s, the team has improved a lot.

Joe Sakic – current General manager

Joe Sakic is undoubtedly one of the all-time greats in the game of hockey. His 21-year NHL career was spent entirely in Nordiques / Avalanche franchise. The Olympic and World championship gold medallist scored staggering 1641 regular season points and has received a number of different awards due to his achievements. Apart from his hockey skills, Sakic is appreciated due to his leadership.

Patrick Roy – one of the greatest goalkeepers

Patrick Roy is regarded as one of the best goaltenders ever. He joined Colorado in 1995 and won two Stanley Cups with Avalanche – on the top of the two championships with Montreal Canadiens. The list of Roy’s trophies, All Star nominations and other awards is endless. After his playing career, Roy has also been a head coach for Avalanche. One of the Roy antics was being superstitious: he had certain things not to be done on matchdays and during the matches.

Peter Forsberg – one of the best

Peter Forsberg – skilled and physical Swedish center must be mentioned as well. “Foppa” joined Quebec Nordiques in 1994 and continued with Avalanche until 2004. His only weakness as a player was to be prone to injuries. Having a perfect hockey IQ and eye for the game, he is probably the best Swedish forward ever. Forsberg is also two-time Olympic and World championship gold medallist.