Colorado Avalanche

Founded: 1972
Team Owner: Ann Walton Kroenke
Head Coach: Jared Bednar
Captain: Gabriel Landeskog
Team Icon: Joe Sakic
Overall Record: 1,560-1,346-261
Minor League Affiliate: Colorado Eagles (AHL), Utah Grizzlies (ECHL)
Stanley Cup Championships: 2 (1995–96, 2000–01)
Arena: Ball Arena
Arena Capacity: 18,000
City: Denver, CO
Website: www.nhl.com/avalanche

The Quebec Nordiques relocated to Colorado in 1995, and immediately ownership looked to change the team name. They didn't want to use Rockies which had been the name of a previous Colorado NHL franchise since that name was now in use by the local baseball club. They considered several options which included Cougars, Rapids, Outlaws, Bears, and were going to instead go with Extreme. The public did not like this choice, and let ownership know it. Public opinion won over, and the team decided to go with another, better choice, in Avalanche.