Guide Note
The Colorado Avalanche play professional hockey in the Northwest division of the NHL's Western Conference.
Fast Facts
- Inaugural season: 1972
- Finals appearances: Two
- Stanley Cups: Two (last in 2001)
- Home: Pepsi Center, Denver
Early Years
The team was originally founded in 1972 in Canada. First called the Quebec Nordiques, they were a founding member of the World Hockey Association. For their first ever game, they were led by now Hockey Hall of Fame member Maurice Richard. The game however was a loss and Richard resigned as coach. After falling to the Houston Aeros in the 1975 championship finals, they returned to the championship series in 1977. Their second attempted proved more successful, as they won the WHA championship that season, defeating the Winnipeg Jets to win the Avco World Trophy.
Early NHL Years
Following the dissolution of the WHA in 1979, the Nordiques were absorbed into the NHL. The next 16 seasons were less than successful the team, as they failed to reach the Stanley Cup finals during any of the seasons.
Move to Colorado
The owners of the Nordiques fell on hard times financially and were forced to sell the team in 1995. The team was purchased by investors in Denver, Colorado, where the team was moved and renamed the Colorado Avalanche.
Beginners Luck
Following their move to the states, the Avalanche finished first in their division going into the playoffs. They defeated the Vancouver Canucks, Chicago Blackhawks and Detroit Red Wings to reach the Stanley Cup finals for the first time in franchise history. Their luck continued as they swept the Florida Panthers to win their first Stanley Cup Championship. They repeated this feat in the 2001 post season, winning the Cup over the New Jersey Devils in seven games.
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