Friday, July 1, 2011

A banner Goes in the Rafters

The past couple of weeks have been a busy one for the Avalanche. They have had to deal with the draft, trying to sign key players and as of noon today the free agency market opens up. But this did not stop them from announcing a major event.

Just before the puck drops in the Pepsi Center to start the new season, the Colorado Avalanche will be raising a banner in honor of Peter Forsberg.

Announced yesterday the team will retire "Peter the Great"s number in a ceremony before the home opener. Forsberg has been a god in Colorado, playing almost his entire NHL career in the Colorado organization including playing the last few years when the team was in Quebec.

Playing in over 700 games and scoring 885 career points Forsberg helped lead the team to two Stanley Cup victories as well as winning the hearts of so many fans.

Fans watched as his career diminished, with having multiple surgeries on his ankle and never able to bounce back from those injuries. He had a few stints with other clubs in the NHL but then returned home to Sweden. He tried to play in the Swedish Modo league and thoughts of him returning to NHL seemed within reach.

He gave it one last try to join the NHL and play again this past season. He signed a contract with the Avs. and things looked promising for him in his first game for him and the club. But the pain came back and having to play almost everyday was not going to happen for Forsberg. After a week, he announced he was hanging up the skates for good.

He is known throughout Colorado as Peter the Great and even with an injury plagued career everyone will remember the high flying days of Forsberg.

He currently is coaching in the Swedish league. On October 8th he will watch the banner will go up into the rafters like he did when he helped Colorado to two cup victories.

Great player and someday will be a great coach in the NHL.

For more on the Avalanche, Monsters, Oilers and the NHL keep checking this blog. Also find me on Twitter @WillWodka2133

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