Home of the Colorado Avalanche, also known as the Avs, Denver plays host to an NHL powerhouse. As part of the Central Division in Western Conference games, professional ice hockey fans flock from all corners to Ball Arena for each home game. It provides a thrilling atmosphere for Avs matches and is doubly busy when shared with two other sports teams – The NBA’s Denver Nuggets and National Lacrosse League’s Colorado Mammoth.
Founded as the Quebec Nordiques in the World Hockey Association (WHA)
1979-1985
Reached the WHA playoffs five times, but did not win a championship
1985
Joined the NHL as part of the WHA-NHL merger
1996
Moved to Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche McNichols Sports Arena
1996-2002
Made the playoffs every season, won two Western Conference championships and two Stanley Cup championships (in 1996 and 2001)
2005-2007
Missed the playoffs for three consecutive seasons
2008
Reached the Western Conference semifinals, losing to the Detroit Red Wings
2009-2010
Made the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, but did not advance past the second round
2011-2012
Missed the playoffs for two consecutive seasons
2013-2014
Returned to the playoffs, but lost in the first round
2017-2019
Made the playoffs three consecutive seasons, but did not advance past the first round
2020
Reached the Western Conference semifinals, losing to the Dallas Stars
2021
Reached the second round of the playoffs, losing to the Vegas Golden Knights
Note: The team was originally founded in Quebec, Canada as the Quebec Nordiques and joined the NHL as part of the WHA-NHL merger. The team moved to Denver and became the Colorado Avalanche in 1996.
Colorado Avalanche FAQs
Who owns the Colorado Avalanche?
Stanley Kroenke, owner and chairman of Kroenke Sports and Entertainment LLC owns the Colorado Avalanche.
Who is the Coach of the Colorado Avalanche?
Former player Jared Bender is the coach of the Colorado Avalanche.
