Category Archives: Pro
Avs’ Duchene has but one dream – the Stanley Cup
March 10th, 2016Let’s face it: Colorado Avalanche cowboy Matt Duchene would have been the hands-down winner of the NHL Breakaway Challenge if the 2016 NHL All-Star event was based on skill. In describing Duchene’s one-handed, between-the-legs shot past New Jersey goalie Cory Schneider – all while donning at cowboy hat at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena on Jan. 30…
Eagles proving to be ‘a great fit’ for ECHL vet Boe
February 9th, 2016An injury suffered last season started Channing Boe’s ECHL season with the Colorado Eagles later than normal this year, but he’s now 100 percent and ready to help the Eagles make a second-half run to the Kelly Cup Playoffs. Boe, a 29-year-old forward from Bemidji, Minn., skated the past two seasons with the Utah Grizzlies…
Second-year pro Higby embracing role with Grizzlies
January 29th, 2016Erik Higby joined the Utah Grizzlies this season not knowing how he would fit in with the ECHL franchise. Those uncertainties were snuffed out rather quickly and the second-year pro out of New Braunfels, Tex., is reaping the rewards playing for the Grizzlies and “the unreal facilities” at the Maverik Center. “I think the season…
Norwegian talent Martinsen finding niche in Avalanche lineup
January 8th, 2016Colorado Avalanche rookie Andreas Martinsen and Mats Zuccarello of the New York Rangers are the NHL’s only players from Norway and on Dec. 2 in New York, the Scandanavian country south of Sweden was gearing up to watch them share the ice at Madison Square Garden. Avalanche coach Patrick Roy, however, squashed the Norwegian event…
Veteran Eagles captain Daavettila has team on his back
January 5th, 2016Admittedly, Trent Daavettila said the Colorado Eagles got off to a “frustrating” start in the ECHL this season. As the Eagles’ captain, Daavettila shoulders much of the blame and pressure for the team’s offensive woes. “We’re outshooting teams and our special teams have been great, but 5-on-5, it just hasn’t been there,” Daavettila said. “For…
Grizzlies rookie Misiak loving atmosphere on, off the ice
December 31st, 2015Save for one season in the United States Hockey League, Ryan Misiak has spent his entire career in the Midwest or Eastern United States. That all changed in 2015-16 as Misiak signed with the ECHL’s Utah Grizzlies and after being in West Valley City since the start of the season, it’s a decision Misiak is…
Ex-Thunderbirds blueliners Slavin, Olofsson get first taste of NHL
December 18th, 2015From carpooling together as Colorado Thunderbirds and joking about sending clearing attempts into rink ceilings to making their NHL debuts one day apart last month, it’s been quite a ride so far for Gustav Olofsson and Jaccob Slavin. The defensemen, who are such close friends that Olofsson was a groomsman in Slavin’s wedding last summer,…
Former NCAA teammates Skille, Street reunited with Avalanche
December 1st, 2015When freshmen linemates Jack Skille and Ben Street won the 2006 NCAA championship together at the University of Wisconsin, they were forever joined at the hip. The saying “we walk together for life” rang true. Little did they know that they would again play together, in the NHL for the Colorado Avalanche. Street, called up…
Denver’s Knowlton stays in hockey with new USA Hockey post
November 29th, 2015Pat Knowlton prepared himself for life after he retired as a professional hockey player. That foresight paid off with a job in the sport he loves as the 29-year-old from Denver was recently named USA Hockey’s coordinator of adult hockey. Knowlton will be assisting with the planning, recruitment, development and on-site administration of USA Hockey’s…
Grizzlies captains bring consistency, skill to West Valley City
November 23rd, 2015Utah Grizzlies coach-GM Tim Branham decided on this season’s team captains rather than a team vote, but said that if the players were to pick, he’d confident their picks would have been the same as his. For the 2015-16 ECHL season, Brent Gwidt will wear the ‘C’ and Barry Almeida and Alex Gallant will assume…