Avalanche Legends Shine in Back to Hockey Alumni Game

The Avalanche Alumni’s top line of Peter Forsberg-Joe Sakic-Milan Hejduk led the way in a 9-3 win against the University of Denver Hockey Alumni at the Back to Hockey Avalanche Alumni vs. DU Alumni Game at Magness Arena on Sunday.  

This year’s contest was the second annual Colorado Alumni Faceoff, which helps the Colorado NHL Alumni Association give back to the community.  

In addition to a legendary top line, the Avs Alumni squad included former Avalanche players Tyson Barrie, John-Michael Liles, Andrew Cogliano, Darren Helm and Dan Hinote. Behind the bench for the Avalanche Alumni were Hockey Hall of Famers Peter Stastny, Michel Goulet and Pierre Turgeon.  

After not playing last year, Sakic said he was excited to be on the ice for Sunday’s game.  

“This is going to be a lot of fun,” Sakic said. “Last year, I couldn’t play, and I ended up coaching and while I was watching the guys on the ice, they were having way too much fun. So, this year I made it a priority to try and get out there.” 

Sakic added that it’s fun to see all the alums and bring back old memories. 

“Anytime you get a chance to see each other, it’s a perfect type of game to get together,” Sakic said. “Get on the ice, get in the dressing room, see the guys and spend some time for a few days. I just think about the old times, and you reminisce and it’s like you’re kids again.” 

On the ice, Hejduk and Cody McLeod each scored twice for the Avs, while Sakic, Helm, Steve Reinprecht, Peter Mueller and Kyle Quincey all added a tally.

In the middle of the second period, there was an in-game trade, as the DU Alumni sent Paul Stastny to the Avs for fellow DU Alum Mark Rycroft.

After the final buzzer, each player's jersey was given off their back to a fan in attendance.

The game was a great show for the fans in attendance, who, along with Avs Faithful, were given praise from Sakic. 

“This is just such a great community,” Sakic said. “Great hockey community. They love their current team. They love the older teams, and it was just a pleasure playing in front of them in my career. And now, just even in my role as GM, to see the support we get from the fan base, it’s pretty incredible here in Denver.”