News about Karlis Skrastins and The Great Colorado Avalanche!
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PLAYOFF PAGES!

Colorado is out of the playoffs after being swept by the Anaheim Might Ducks
Thursday, May 11th, 2006

I want to tell Skratch, Liles, and the entire AVs team- you had a great
season - played very well and your fans our extremely proud of you and
we still have faith and confidence in you! We look fwd to 2005-06!

NHL Announces 2005-06 Trophy finalists
Following are the finalists for each trophy, in alphabetical order:
CALDER MEMORIAL TROPHY (outstanding rookie):
Sidney Crosby, Pittsburgh Penguins; Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals;
Dion Phaneuf, Calgary Flames.

FRANK J. SELKE TROPHY (outstanding defensive forward):
Rod Brind'Amour, Carolina Hurricanes; Mike Fisher, Ottawa Senators;
Jere Lehtinen, Dallas Stars.

HART MEMORIAL TROPHY (most valuable player to his team):
Jaromir Jagr, New York Rangers; Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames;
Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks.

JACK ADAMS AWARD (outstanding coach):
Peter Laviolette, Carolina Hurricanes; Tom Renney, New York Rangers;
Lindy Ruff, Buffalo Sabres.

JAMES NORRIS MEMORIAL TROPHY (outstanding defenseman):
Nicklas Lidstrom, Detroit Red Wings; Scott Niedermayer, Anaheim Mighty Ducks;
Sergei Zubov, Dallas Stars.

LADY BYNG MEMORIAL TROPHY (sportsmanship and gentlemanly conduct):
Pavel Datsyuk, Detroit Red Wings; Patrick Marleau, San Jose Sharks;
Brad Richards, Tampa Bay Lightning.

LESTER B. PEARSON AWARD (most outstanding player as voted by fellow members of the NHLPA):
Jaromir Jagr, New York Rangers; Alexander Ovechkin, Washington Capitals;
Joe Thornton, San Jose Sharks.

VEZINA TROPHY (outstanding goaltender):
Martin Brodeur, New Jersey Devils; Miikka Kiprusoff, Calgary Flames;
Henrik Lundqvist, New York Rangers.

Click Here To read More!

Karlis Skrastins of Colorado owns the NHL's longest active playing streak at
419 games. He hasn't missed a game since Feb. 21, 2000.
as of today, March 20th, 2006

For some Avalanche Olympians, the time in Turin provided a balance of hockey and relaxation.

Defenseman Karlis Skrastins played big minutes for Latvia, which did not advance to the
medal round. The early exit allowed him to spend several days visiting his 1-year-old daughter, Karolina.

"I had three or four days to kind of rest," he said. "It helped me a lot because I had small injuries.

"It doesn't matter how much you play (at the Olympics), you're going to be tired anyway -
physically but mentally, too. It was good rest for me those three days."
Advantage Olympians, at least for now
Feb. 28, 2006

It's not outlandish to wonder about whether a post-Olympic malaise could
strike in Colorado, considering the huge Avalanche contingent to Turin -
and such overlooked things as defenseman Karlis Skrastins playing marathon
minutes as one of two NHL players on overmatched Latvia's roster.

So can the Avs get their heads - and hearts - back in the NHL game soon
enough to at least solidify a playoff position, if not take over the Northwest Division lead?

"I don't think it's going to be that bad," Hejduk said. "We're battling for a playoff
spot right now, and I have to focus on that and try to help the team."

Said Skrastins: "Oh, I even had that feeling today at practice, that I am back.
I think all the guys who have come back will be ready right away."
Letdown In The Mix?
Feb. 28, 2006

OLYMPIC PAGE FOR KARLIS SKRASTINS! CLICK HERE!

OLYMPIC PAGE FOR JOHN-MICHAEL LILES CLICK HERE!

Saturday, Feb. 25
Bronze Medal Game
Czech Republic 3 - Russia 0
CONGRATS TO CZECH REPUBLIC FOR WINNING BRONZE!

Sunday, Feb. 26
Gold Medal Game
Sweden 3 - Finland 2
CONGRATS TO SWEDEN FOR WINNING GOLD!

CONGRATS TO FINLAND FOR WINNING SILVER!

AND A HUGE CONGRATULATIONS TO SKRATCH AND TEAM LATVIA
FOR YOUR UNDENIABLE PASSION AND HARD WORK!

Terry Frei's Opinion on a "Younger Olympics Team"
NHL should get younger at Olympics
Feb. 24, 2006

KARLIS NAMED TO 2006 LATVIAN OLYMPIC TEAM!
Latvian Team '06 Roster

what ever - he shouldn't be playing hockey until Moore can play- end of story!
Blake says Bertuzzi earned Olympics spot
12.27.2005

Budaj Delivers
12.27.2005

The new NHL is not favored by every one of its players. "ThereÕs no testosterone in
the game right now," Colorado Avalanche right wing Dan Hinote recently told the Denver Post.
Scoring Up
12.26.2005

Avs Overcome 0-3 Deficit, Beat Coyotes 7-4
12.26.2005

"We have to try to get back on the right track; that goal is No. 1 right now,"
defenseman John-Michael Liles said. "Consistency is the only word that comes to mind.
We're so close, but it seems like there's that last little hump we need to get over.

"Playing a full 60 minutes every night has really been our biggest thing. You're not
going to have it every night for 82 games in the NHL, but at the same time, we've got
to come out better than we are right now.

"Yeah, there are going to be those nights when you just don't have it, but once
every four games is just not cutting it."
Avalanche looking for a jump-start
12.25.2005

* Congrats Skratch! * Congrats Blake! * Congrats Aebi! * Congrats Budaj! * Congrats Kolesnik! *
* Congrats Hejduk! * Congrats Liles! * Congrats Laaksonen! * Congrats Sakic! * Congrats Svatos! * Congrats Vaananen! *
11 AV's going to Olympics!
12.22.2005

"I'm happy for him, proud of him," Quenneville said of Liles. "I think he deserved it.
He's played well and I think he'll enhance their team game. Knowing the type of play
that the Olympics is with the big ice surface (and with) the way he moves with the puck,
I think he'll be a nice element on the defense."

Said Blake: "I told Johnny this is going to be one of the most exciting things he
ever does. It's his second year in the league and he's going to represent the USA.
He should be one of their top "D.'"
Rocky Mountain News Article
12.21.2005
I'm just happy to be a part of it," Liles said. "I'm happy not only to represent
the United States, but the state of Indiana as well."

"It kind of shows people that if you work hard enough at something,
then it can come true," the Colorado Avalanche defenseman said.
"Someone from Indiana, born and raised, making the Olympic team
and playing in the NHL.
"I've had a lot of support along the way."
Hoosier named to U.S. hockey squad
12.21.2005
Liles, 25, is among the Americans' 12 first-time Olympians. He gained international
experience in the 2004 World Cup. Liles is 19 years younger than another U.S.
defenseman, Chris Chelios of the Detroit Red Wings.
12.21.2005

Power-play failure costs Avalanche
12.21.2005

Avs Fall To Preds 2-3
12.20.2005

CONGRATULATIONS JOHN-MICHAEL LILES!
Liles Named To U.S. Olympic Team
12.19.2005

Avs WIN! 2-1 Over Rangers
12.18.2005

Avalanche D Karlis Skrastins has the longest active games-played streak in the NHL with 383.
It's the longest for a defenseman since Ken Daneyko skated in 388 straight for New Jersey
from Nov. 4, 1989, to March 29, 1994.
Avs Lost to Islanders 4-5
12.17.2005

Kurt Sauer Sent To Minors For Conditioning
12.16.2005

Avalanche Players Team up for Tykes 12.12.2005

QUICK FACT:
As of 12.12.2005: Colorado has scored in the first period in 10 straight games.

Avs Lose To Ottawa 2-6
12.12.2005

Karlis Skrastins Scores His Second Goal Of The Seaason
Sabres foil Avs' rally
12.05.2005

Chris Drury and More!
12.05.2005

Adrian Dater's MAILBAG
12.05.2005

Wojtek Wolski Can NOT Be Recalled
12.05.2005

CONGRATS SKRATCH ON YOUR 2ND GOAL OF THE SEASON!
Avs Fall To Sabres 4-6
12.04.2005

Turgeon Honored For 500th Goal
12.04.2005

Avs Better Halves Held Diaper Drive
12.04.2005

Healey Reassigned
12.02.2005

Canucks Beat Avs 5-2
11.30.2005

Avs Beat Oliers! 3-2
11.29.2005

Karlis Skrastins of the Colorado Avalanche and Jason Smith of the Edmonton Oilers
each have 72 blocks, but they have played 24 and 25 games, respectively.
source: Buffalo News
11.29.2005

Healey Recalled, Turgeon on IR
11.28.2005

Official Website : Hinote's Heroes
9News Interviews Dan Hinote on his charity with his sister benefiting children.
Click Here To Read The Article: Hinote's Heroes
11.27.2005

"We approached this like it was a very important game, very meaningful as far
as the standings," Quenneville said. "These are early games, but against a team
we're trying to catch again. We want to narrow that gap."
Avs Trail Canucks by 3 points

Avs Beat Canucks 6-2
11.27.2005

THIS IS BAD NEWS!
Konowalchuk OUT for the season
11.27.2005

Avalanche Recalls Brad Richardson
11.27.2005

HAPPY HAPPY BIRTHDAY JOHN-MICHAEL LILES!
11.25.2005

CONGRATS AEBI ON YOUR SHUT-OUT!!
Aebischer Notches First Shutout Of The Year In 5-0 Win
11.25.2005

Cody McCormick Recalled From Lowell, Again!11.24.2005

Avs' Hejduk turns attention to Red Wings' Fischer
11.24.2005

The Av's Lost to the Redwings but Congrats to JM Liles for scoring!
Red Wings score three late goals, end losing streak
11.24.2005

SAD NEWS
Red Wings defenseman Jiri Fischer had a seizure on the Detroit bench late in the
first period of last night's game against the Nashville Predators and was listed
in stable condition at a hospital.
"His heart was stopped,"
Red Wings coach Mike Babcock said. "They hooked up the auto defibrillator and shocked him."

"It's our understanding, the reports from the hospital, that he is fine and
he will be fine," Babcock said.
Nov. 22, 2005

Avs Lost To Flames/ Sauve! 2-3 in Shoot Out
Nov. 21, 2005

Philippe Sauve stopped all three shots in a shootout to help the Calgary Flames
to a victory over the Colorado Avalanche, the team that traded him away last summer.
Nov. 21, 2005

Avs Lost To Kings 3-4
Nov. 19, 2005

Pavol Demetra Gets Hat Trick Against Colorado
11.19.2005
Pierre Turgeon scored twice for Colorado and set up Alex Tanguay's power-play goal.

"Especially around sports, you get a lot of that, a lot of macho, and unfortunately they can't
separate what they would realize to be a great opportunity like Tony has," Avalanche forward
Dan Hinote said. "They couldn't swallow their pride enough to accept their roles and he's a
smart enough man to understand that this an opportunity and not a demotion. For him to be
able to do that, it says a lot about him."
Read More HEre!
"If you have an ego, then you're not committed to your team and to your profession and
your position, so hopefully I've never been looked at with a person who has an ego or
looked at as someone who makes decisions based on my own needs instead of my
team's needs," Granato said. "I don't want to be like that and I hope that was never the case.
In pro sports, for a team to work, for a team to be a success, you can't have someone who
thinks of himself first."
11.19.2005

The New NHL
11.19.2005

For the FIFTH Game This Season, Svatos scored the goal winner!
Avs Win 3-2 Over The Ducks
11.19.2005

November 16th Game AVS -vs- COYOTES
CONGRATS MAREK SVATOS! ON YOUR TWO GOALS IN TONITE'S GAME!

Avs WIN 3-1 Over Coyotes
11.16.2005

Svatos helps Avalanche down Coyotes 3-1
11.16.2005

Blake is the fifth active NHL defenseman and 29th overall to reach the 600-point mark.

Turgeon, who missed Colorado's 5-2 loss to Edmonton on Monday, moved past
Peter Stastny into 27th place on the career assists list with 791. Turgeon is 27th on
the NHL points list with 1,291.
11.16.2005

Avalanche and Salvation Army Team Up To Ring In The Holiday Season
11.15.2005

Avalanche Announces Second Of 10 Prize Winners
11.14.2005

Avs Lose to Oilers 2-5
11.14.2005

4-0 deficit too costly
11.13.2005

McCormick Recalled From Lowell
11.13.2005

No lead safe in new NHL
11.12.2005

Avs Lose to Flames 3-5
11.12.2005

Guess who is named: The best-valued player by Forbes Magazine?
Click here and read the short paragraph then click the links
To view pix of the BEST & WORST Hockey Players for the buck!

Time to crunch some numbers
11.11.2005

a big third-period short-handed goal by Karlis Skrastins
11.11.2005
CONGRATULATIONS ON YOUR GOAL TONIGHT SKRATCH!!!!!!
Avs BEAT Canucks 5-3
11.10.2005

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

AVS WIN over Sharks 4-2
11.08.2005

CONGRATS ON YOUR ASSIST KARLIS!
Nov. 8, 2005 Game Against San Jose

CONGRATS J-M LILES ON YOUR GOAL IN TONIGHT'S GAME!

Congratulations to Pierre Turgeon for his 500th Career Goal!
and for being chosen #1 Star of tonight's game!
Nov. 8, 2005 Game Against San Jose

Pierre Turgeon: On His 500th... "It's definately an honor. Obviously being with a guy
like Joe Sakic and a lot more, it's a big honor. It took a while, took a couple games.
It was on my mind the last couple of games. It was a great play and a nice pass by
(Marek) Svatos. I'm glad I got to 500. There is only 34 guys that got that goal, so
there is not a lot of guys. So, it's just a big honor. Obviously, there is not that many
players to get to that 500th goal. I never thought in 1987 that I would be getting 500 goals.
It's an honor." On The Goal... "Obviously it was a great pass, right between the sticks.
I stayed really strong on it and went five-hole on the goalie."

Avs -vs- Sharks
November 8, 2005 @ Pepsi Center, Denver

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

THE JOHN-MICHAEL LILES WEBSITE IS BACK! CLICK HERE!

LITTLE BIG MAN: Five-foot-10, 185-pound defenceman used to be a rarity in the NHL,
but John Michael Liles is not only surviving, he's thriving.

The Avs blueliner is third in scoring among NHL defencemen with 14 points. Only
Bryan McCabe and Lubomir Visnovsky have more points from the point.

"I've always prided myself on my skating,'' he said. "And opening the game up has
helped me find those openings a little bit more.''

He also put up 45 points as a rookie in the "old NHL,'' so it's not like he's only here
because of the rules.

"Skill is skill. If you're good enough to make it you're going to make it regardless of your size.''
Salary cap madness
11.05.2005

Avalanche Announces First Of 10 Prize Winners
Congrats to Mr. Eugene Coppola of Lone Tree
11.05.2005

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
Stars Beat Avs 3-2 , November 5th, 2005

Avs Lose to Stars 3-2 in Shoot out
11.05.2005

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AVS BEAT DUCKS 4-3 , November 3rd, 2005

Avs WIN Fourth Straight!
11.03.2005

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Bruins name Ray Bourque as consultant to the coaching staff
11.03.2005

Healey Reassigned To Lowell
11.03.2005

Pierre Turgeon needs one more goal to become the 34th player in NHL history to score 500 career goals.

The Avalanche enters tonight's contest with a 445 consecutive-game sellout streak (including postseason),
the longest recorded streak in NHL history.

The offense is coming from unlikely places,
as the team's leading scorer is defenseman John-Michael Liles, who has 14 points.
11.23.2005

Avs Scoring Often In Early Season Games
11.01.2005

GOOD POINT
Paul Healey has replaced Wojtek Wolski on the Avalanche roster. I wonder if that
has anything to do with Colorado not wanting to pay Wolski's near $1 million salary?
and paying Healey the minimum. Wolski had six points with the Avs before he was
sent back to Brampton. Paul Healey's best ever offensive output was 10 points,
he did that twice with Toronto.
Source11.01.2005

Hinote upbeat about playing Thursday
11.01.2005

After low-scoring start, are changes afoot for Team USA?
Colorado defenseman John-Michael Liles is the only U.S.-born player among the league's
top 30 scorers on Halloween Eve, and he's 22nd. Mike Modano and Craig Conroy are the
only American forwards among the top 50 scorers.

Most agree that Liles was already penciled in for the team, but if he continues to play at this
level, he could become a prominent player.
11.01.2005

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AVs WIN 4-3 OVER CANUCKS! YAY!

Laperriere Helps Avalanche Nip Canucks 4-3
10.29.2005

VANCOUVER @ COLORADO SATURDAY, OCTOBER 29TH, 2005
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

The following photo taken by and ©copyright David Zalubowski/AP

THIS 'UNIDENTIFIED FAN' IS MY SISTER!
10.27.2005

**************
CONGRATULATIONS J-M LILES
13 big ones!
Congrats on setting a new franchise record for most points by a defenceman
in the month of October! NICE JOB!!!
10.28.2005
**************

Power Rankings
10.28.2005

-----------------------------------------------------------------------
AN ARTICLE ON ROOKIES AND HAZING! READ ON! THIS IS GOOD!
Avalanche defenseman John- Michael Liles, a rookie in 2003-04,
chipped in for a team dinner with fellow first-year player Cody McCormick
and had to wear a Robin costume to go with McCormick's Batman
on the team's charter flight to New York.

"We dressed up, rode on the plane and had to wear the costumes
into the hotel," Liles said. "It was Halloween and we were on the road,
so that's what they had us do. It wasn't bad. Halloween in New York, I'm
sure it's not anything that anybody hasn't seen before.
Read the entire article here!
10.28.2005
-----------------------------------------------------------------------

Here's a thought: For that avid Avs fan on your holiday list, the one who
won't forget Moore until he's fully recovered, here's the perfect gift idea:
an Avalanche jersey, personalized on the back with "Moore" and the No. 36.

Can you imagine a thousand Avs fans wearing that jersey in the arena, home game
after home game? That might be their only means of countering the NHL's disgraceful
campaign to make Moore a nonperson.

A woman wearing such a jersey appeared briefly on the video screen Thursday night.
No doubt it was an error by the in-house crew. Maybe one day there will be so many
of them no shot of the crowd will be without one.
THAT WOMAN IS MY SISTER!!!!!!!
Read More Here

Also! Go to any of the following links to see the picture of my sister
wearing Steve Moore's jersey and sitting right behind Bertuzzi!
* C L A S S I C *
cjad.com

Yahoo! Sports

canada.com

AV's KICK Canuck Butt Tonight!
WIN 6-2

CONGRATS MILAN!!!!!
Hejduk nets 200th career goal in 6-2 win over Canucks

Comments on Tonight's Game:
"That's the fans," Avalanche defenseman John-Michael Liles said.
"They're great fans, and they have every right to show how they feel,
and they definitely did that tonight. We noticed it, but at the same time
our job was to come out and win a hockey game and that's what we were focused on."
SOURCE: MercuryNews.com
10.28.2005

Contrite? Apologetic? Relieved?
When it was over, Bertuzzi was none of the above.
"It is what it is," was all he would offer, time and again, when asked
for his thoughts on the evening.

Asked once again for his thoughts on the difficult stay in Denver,
Bertuzzi wasn't in a reflective mood.
"Read into it. You're pretty intelligent. It is what it is. What am I
going to do about it?" he said. Source Here
10.28.2005

"People pay their money and they come into the building, whether it's here
or it's our place," Bertuzzi explained. "They have every right to do whatever
they want to do."

Asked if it was a relief to get it behind them, Canucks captain Markus
Naslund said: "We're not commenting on it, so that's a relief."
Source Here!
10.28.2005

A thunderous chorus of boos rained down on Bertuzzi like a monsoon
the minute the big Canucks forward stepped on the ice.
Source: Toronto Star
10.28.2005

Denver Post Article
Scoring trumps Bertuzzi return
10.28.2005

Fans get their say with Bertuzzi in town
10.28.2005

GAME ON!
AVs -vs- Canucks - @ Pepsi 7pm Weds, Oct 27th, 2005

-----------------------------------------------------------------------

IRONMAN: Karlis Skrastins owns the longest active consecutive
games-played streak in the NHL at 360 games...Skrastins has played in all 82
contests for each of the past four seasons, three with Nashville and one with
Colorado...Colorado's Andrew Brunette owns the fifth longest such streak at 216 games.
Karlis Skrastins COL 360
Brendan Morrison VAN 358
Cory Sarich TB 234
Daniel Briere BUF 218
Andrew Brunette COL 216

John-Michael Liles is one point shy of tying Jeff Brown's franchise record
for most points by a defenseman in October. Liles has 11.
10.26.2005

Fans not filling some NHL arenas
The Colorado Avalanche continue to announce a full house,
thus preserving an 18,007-seat sellout streak that dates back to
November 1995. But the club is now hawking season and
single-game tickets on TV and on the Internet, which could
spell the end of their sellout run fairly soon.
10.26.2005

IRON MAN: Avs defenceman Karlis Skrastins has the NHL's longest active iron man streak,
360 games after last night. He's two games ahead of the next longest active streak, Brendan Morrison.

"I try not to think about it,'' he said. "It just happens, you can't think about it. I don't do anything
special. I'm not meditating or doing different stuff.

"I've had a couple of big (hurts) but if it doesn't bother my game, I can play.''
source: SLAM!
10.26.2005

On playing the Oilers then Canucks back-to-back:
"When you look at the schedule you blink and go wha, wha, what?,'' said defenceman
John-Michael Liles. "I guess it's a good thing because of the rivalry aspect, but you go
out for warm-ups and it's, 'Oh, you guys again.'"
10.26.2005

----------------------------------------------------
AVs WIN 5-3 OVER THE OILERS!
STORY
10.26.2005

Avs Play Oilers
Tuesday, October 25th, 2005 @ Pepsi
GO AVs!
10.24.2005

----------------------------------------------------

THE IRONMAN:
Karlis Skrastins owns the longest active consecutive games-played streak in
the NHL at 359!!!!!!!!
10.23.2005

----------------------------------------------------
Avs Lose to Canucks 4-6
grrrrr!

GAMEDAY: Saturday, OCTOBER 22, 2005 @ Vancouver

Avalanche lowers temperature on return to Vancouver
"With Vancouver, there's a little history there," Quenneville said. "(But) this is
a real critical part of our schedule right now. With the Vancouver situation,
we've addressed it. It's been talked about and we're basically past that.

"I think our concentration when we play Vancouver will be on winning the
hockey game, and getting even is not going to be part of it."

"Let's just go on and play," Blake said. "People that want to see (violence),
that's wrong. That's not what we want in our game. From our standpoint,
and in our dressing room, (Bertuzzi's assault) is an incident no one
wished would have happened, but it did."
10.22.2005

Bertuzzi on Saturday's Game
Sakic also comments, as well as Matt Cooke
10.22.2005
----------------------------------------------------

UNBEATEN!
Senators and Predators Still Unbeaten!
10.22.2005

The following Colorado Avalanche players didn't score any points
last night: Karlis Skrastins, Brad May, Ossi Vaananen, Antti
Laaksonen and Marek Svatos.

Hey, it's easier than listing the 13 Avs skaters who did have a hand
in handing Edmonton its most humiliating defeat in 10 years.
10.22.2005

Oilers 1 // Avs 7
10.22.2005

Edmonton's Captain, Jason Smith, pissed!
"Unacceptable"
10.22.2005

----------------------------------------------------
GAMEDAY: FRIDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2005 @ EDMONTON

Avs Kick Butt and WIN 7-1

HEJDUK is BACK!
Congrats to J-M Liles also for his 2 goals in tonight's game!
10.21.2005

Joe Sakic assisted on Hejduk's 4-0 goal to move into a tie with Dale Hawerchuk
for 15th place in NHL career scoring with 1,409 points.
CONGRATS SUPER JOE!

Notes: David Aebischer will start in goal for the Avalanche, with rookie
Peter Budaj set to face Vancouver on Saturday. Aebischer has allowed at
least three goals in each of his four starts and 17 overall .
Colorado (2-3-0-1) is off to its worst six-game start
since 1998 and already trails division-leading Vancouver by eight points.
10.21.2005

----------------------------------------------------

Why the Avs made the moves
The fact that Colorado declined to pick up team options on Rob Blake
and Joe Sakic was only reported this past week, but the decision was
actually taken before the regular season began. It was the only way the
Avalanche could get the salary-cap relief they sought in the move --
a badly needed saving of about $700,000 (U.S.) for a team that had to
let two of the best players in its history, Peter Forsberg and Adam Foote,
leave for financial reasons. Nor does it change anything -- or it doesn't
need to -- in terms of their long-term futures with the Avalanche. Because
both Blake and Sakic were on multiyear contracts, they can begin
negotiations on an extension any time they want - it just wouldn't apply
until the start of next season. By contrast, under the revised labour
agreement, a player on a one-year contract cannot open negotiations
on a new deal until after Jan. 1. Sakic is like Modano on one
important level: He's played his entire career for one organization
that switched cities midway through his hockey-playing life. Ideally,
he'd like to finish where he started, but ultimately, the dollars that the
Avs offer could dictate whether he stays or moves next summer as
an unrestricted free agent.
10.21.2005

Avs Decline Options on Sakic & Blake
10.21.2005

----------------------------
OCTOBER 19, 2005 GAME: AVs -vs- KINGs

Avs Lose 5-4

Congrats to Skratch for his assist on the first goal of the game!
RE: Friday's Shootout Loss to Chicago:
"He's unhappy with the shootout loss, but we all told him he was the reason
we got there," Colorado's John-Michael Liles said of Budaj. "He made a lot of
critical saves throughout the game. Not getting to a shootout is something we
have to take care of."
10.19.2005

----------------------------

Brett Hull choked back emotion and thanked "everyone who ever touched my
life in the game," announcing his retirement Saturday from a career that
left him the third-leading goal scorer in NHL history.

BRETT HULL RETIRES
10.15.2005

********
As of 10.14.2005
Karlis Skrastins is the league's current ironman, with 356 consecutive games played.
********

"I'm disappointed about the shootout,
but I'm very thankful that I was able to play well," Budaj said.
10.15.2005

The St. Petersburg Times reports that the Lightning are interested in acquiring
veteran Avalanche D Bob Boughner, who is being shopped around the league.
10.15.2005

Avalanche RW Milan Hejduk has begun skating and is expected to be back in the
lineup before the end of the month, according to the Denver Post.

Budaj's play in goaltender's place pleases Avalanche
10.15.2005

Budaj was starting goaltender in Friday's game
"David's our No. 1 guy, and he'll get the net back," Avalanche coach
Joel Quenneville said before Colorado's 3-2 shooutout loss to the
Chicago Blackhawks.

Quenneville's Comments on BUDAJ:
"Mentally, I think his overall approach is terrific," Quenneville said.
"I think he's got great composure for a young kid. He's relaxed. He's not
cocky. He's composed. He's got a real businesslike approach to his profession.
At a young age, that's a good sign."

-----------------------------------------------------------

OCTOBER 14, 2005 GAME: COLORADO -VS- CHICAGO
Avs Lose 3-2

** CONGRATS ON YOUR GOAL JOHN-MICHAEL LILES! **

Skrastins TOI: 23:40mins! (fourth in longest TOI for tonight's game)
Liles TOI: 21:42mins! (fifth in longest TOI for tonight's game)

Avalanche forward Joe Sakic scored his 544th career goal, tying him with
Maurice "Rocket" Richard for 21st place in the NHL record book. Next up:
Colorado executive Michel Goulet at 548. "It's a great feeling to be
mentioned with the Rocket," Sakic said. "What a player, what a name,
and to even be around this long to do something like that is something
to be proud of.

Complete Summary

In tonight's game:
Colorado defenseman John Michael-Liles logged more than 10 minutes on the
power play, second only to Sakic's 13:26. He extended his points streak
to four games (two goals, five assists)

Avs Lose 3-2 to Blackhawks
10.14.2005

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OCTOBER 12, 2005 GAME: COLORADO -VS- NASHVILLE
Avs Lose 5-4

Sakic's assist was No. 863 of his career, putting him two behind Denis Savard for 19th on the all-time list.

John-Michael Liles beat Tomas Vokoun to the glove side to
put Colorado up 4-3 early in the third period, but....

Avs Lose to Preds 5-4
10.13.2005

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Avalanche Sign Two Players
DENVER, Colo. Ð The Colorado Avalanche Hockey Club announced today that the
organization has signed a pair of free agents, forward Daniel DaSilva and
defenseman Mitch Love.

The two players will report to Lowell of the American Hockey League.
10.11.2005

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Game Summary10.10.2005

THREE STARS OF THE GAME:
#1. COL 40 M. Svatos
#2. COL 8 W. Wolski
#3. COL 26 J. Liles
congrats guys!

THE AVs KICKED BUTT TONIGHT!!!! 7-3 WIN!!!!!!!

FIRST HOME GAME OF THE 2005-06 SEASON
10.10.2005
A BIG Congratulations to Wojtek Wolski for scoring his FIRST NHL Goal!

*** HAT TRICK ***
*** HAT TRICK ***
CONGRATS MAREK SVATOS!!!!!!!!
*** HAT TRICK ***
*** HAT TRICK ***

And Congrats to John-Michael Liles for his 2 assists tonight!

Avs Home Opener Starts 10th Season In Denver
10.102005

Olympic bikerider?
Curtis Leschyshyn, D, Colorado Avalanche
10.10.2005

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SI's FIVE KEY QUESTIONS
1) Can the Avs minimalize the impact of Forsberg's depature?
2) Can they also compensate for the loss of Foote and the others?
3) How much does Turgeon have left?
4) How quickly can Hejduk come back from knee surgery?
5) How many games can Aebischer steal in goal?

** AVs FAN CONTEST **
Click Here To Enter!

last night in the nhl
10.09.2005

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Congrats to Skratch for his assist on Sakic's goal during second period!
Avs -vs- Stars Game: 10.08.2005; Avs WON 3-2

Avs WIN 3-2 over Stars!
Marek Svatos scored a power play goal to win the game!
10.08.2005

Svatos and Sakic were 2 of the Avs 3 Stars of the Game! CONGRATS

Peter Budaj stopped 16 shots in his NHL debut. NICE JOB Budaj!

Confusion leads to Avalanche-Stars brawl

Read Complete Article Here!
The following is only an excerpt from Fox Sports- Click above link to read story in its entirity!

Svatos scored off a scramble in front of the net with 2:09 remaining on a 7-minute power
play resulting from Arnott's reaction to a hit by Colorado's Dan Hinote.

Arnott was bleeding heavily from a cut to the head after he was checked by Hinote with
6:48 remaining. Arnott's head struck the divider on the plexiglass, causing a gash over
his left eye that required multiple stitches.

Arnott, who thought he'd been hit by a high stick, and teammate Bill Guerin retaliated,
resulting in a brawl. Minor penalties were assessed to Arnott and Guerin, and Arnott also
received a game misconduct for instigation to give the Avalanche the 7-minute power play.

Colorado's Ian Laperriere got a game misconduct for being the third man in the fight as well
as a roughing minor.

"The hit felt up high and that's why I lost my cool," Arnott said. "I didn't think I'd
get all those penalties, but I feel pretty bad about it."

Stars coach Dave Tippett said postgame replays showed Hinote's check was clean.

"It was a shoulder-to-shoulder hit and Jason's head caught the partition," Tippett said. "
Our job is winning and taking every opportunity to put ourselves in a position to win.
(Arnott's reaction) wouldn't be classified as giving us an opportunity to win."

Said Hinote: "I made the hit, turned around and it was chaos. I still don't know what happened."

MANY NEWS MEDIA WERE REPORTING THAT JASON ARNOTT WAS HIGH-STICKED BY HINOTE BUT AFTER REPLAY -
ONE CAN CLEARLY SEE HINOTE LEGALLY CHECKED ARNOTT!

John-Michael Liles got an assist with Pierre Turgeon's goal. NICE JOB J-M
CLICK HERE for more highlights from the game!
10.08.2005

Sidney Crosby Scores FIRST NHL GOAL!
Click Here!
10.08.2005

AVS NEXT GAME: OCTOBER 8TH, 2005 @ DALLAS!
Stars-Avalanche preview
10.07.2005

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Liles is an NTDP Alum
10.07.2005

The Gulls have five players in camp who were assigned by the Colorado Avalanche:
Tyler Weiman, Tom Lawson, Frantisek Skladany, Tomas Slovak and David Svagrovsky.
San Diego named Colorado its NHL affiliate on Sept. 1.
Colorado's ECHL Affiliate
The San Diego GULLS
10.07.2005

"Am I going to get it? Absolutely, I'm going to get it," Bertuzzi told Vancouver reporters.
"Do I expect it? Whatever. You know what, I go about my business."
Bertuzzi knows sound barriers await
10.07.2005

Former Avalanche forward Mike Keane has signed to play with the Manitoba Moose in the
American Hockey League. Keane, 38, wanted to latch on with an NHL team but didn't find
any takers. A Winnipeg native, Keane won Stanley Cups with Montreal in 1993, the Avalanche
in 1996 and Dallas in 1999

2005-06 Men's Hockey Season Outlook
10.07.2005

Hershey Bears now affiliate of Washington Capitols
10.07.2005

Gretzky gives thumbs-up to new NHL
10.07.2005

Opening Night Highlights!

the new NHL commercial

TONIGHT'S GAME (10.05.2005) MARKS KARLIS SKRASTINS' 352nd CONSECUTIVE NHL GAME PLAYED!
THE LONGEST STREAK IN THE LEAGUE!!!! CONGRATS SKRATCH!!

The Avalanche's David Aebischer couldn't be happier about the NHL's decision not to make
goalies wear form-fitting sweaters.
"It's the stupidest thing I ever heard of," he said.

Baffled McLean hangs on Placed on waivers, Avs forward is glad nobody wanted him
EXCELLENT Brett McClean Quote: " The guys know how to win, and the organization is absolutely first-class."
10.06.2005

Wednesday's NHL Roundup
10.06.2005

"The only negative comments you get - and there are very few - are that too many penalties
are being called," NHL commissioner Gary Bettman said while attending the Lightning game.
"That's the only way you're going to open up the game and give the skill players room."

And if enough goals aren't scored in regulation and through five minutes of overtime, shootouts
will be held to make sure every game produces a winner. The Ottawa Senators became the first
beneficiaries by topping the Toronto Maple Leafs 3-2.
Crosby, Gretzky and a whole lot of thank-yous usher in NHL season
Crosby, Gretzky and a whole lot of thank-yous usher in NHL season
10.05.2005

FIRST GAME OF THE 2005-06 SEASON
OILERS BEAT AVS 4-3
10.05.2005

THE FOLLOWING IS A GREAT READ, I THINK!
Power Rankings
10.05.2005

Avalanche Falls To Oilers 4-3 In Season Opener
10.05.2005

Game Notes Worthy of Bragging About!!
THE CAPTAIN: Joe Sakic enters his 17th season in the NHL, all with the Quebec Nordiques/Colorado Avalanche...
Among active players, only Steve Yzerman (22nd season) has been with the same team for a
longer period of time...Mario Lemieux has been with the Penguins since 1984-85 but he missed
four seasons due to injury/retirement...Sakic will serve as the team captain for the 13th consecutive
season dating back to 1992-93, the second longest tenure in the NHL behind Yzerman...
Sakic is the franchise's all-time leader in nearly every statistical category and enters the
2005-06 campaign ranked among the NHL's all-time scoring leaders...His 1,402 points
rank 16th in NHL history, while his 542 goals are 22nd and his 860 assists are 20th.

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** GAME ON **
Wednesday, Oct. 5, 2005
Colorado at Edmonton 8:00 p.m. MDT
TV: Altitude Sports & Entertainment
Radio: KKFN AM 950 The Fan
-----------------------------------------------------------

Avs Roster 2005-06

FAST FACT: Sidelight: The Avalanche is opening a season on the road for the
first time since a 3-1 victory at Pittsburgh on Oct. 3, 2001.
Avs get taste of division menu

10 Games you won't want to miss
YES...10 Games you won't want to miss!
10.05.2005

Avs Payroll for 2005-06

"The Avalanche should be fine behind the blue line with Blake, Brisebois, Karlis Skrastins
and second-year man John-Michael Liles. Clark, Bob Boughner, Kurt Sauer and Ossi Vaananen
round out the group."
Colorado Is Confident
While others predict hard times, new-look Colorado is confident
10.05.2005

OLN has exclusive television rights on Mondays. That means if the Colorado Avalanche play on Monday,
it will not be televised, not even locally. Monday will be OLN's national hockey night and will face off against
"Monday Night Football." Even though "Monday Night Football" has been going through turbulence lately,
it's a cultural staple. In sports, competing against the NFL isn't smart.
Super-charged NHL returns after unprecedented changes
10.05.2005

Read More!
10.05.2005

"I think people understand there's a business side to the game and that's been put in the past now,"
said Colorado Avalanche defenceman Rob Blake. "It's time to move on and the excitement of the game
will live again."
"....the excitement of the game will live again."
10.05.2005

NHL Returns With New Rules, Same Troubles: Finding Hockey Fans
10.05.2005

When the puck drops, all is right again on the ice
10.04.2005

NHL Season Openers Oct 5th10.04.2005

BUMMER: Cody McCormick Reassigned to Lowell
10.04.2005

Despite salary cap, Avalanche still thinking championship
"Any time you lose two guys like (Forsberg and Foote), it hurts," John-Michael Liles said.
"But at the same time, Pierre did a great job of bringing some guys in."
10.04.2005

Moore eyes return to Avs
10.04.2005

Avalanche make big changes to formula
10.04.2005

The following was written by Matt Canamucio
COLORADO AVALANCHE - Pierre Turgeon - The Avs had a dynamic one-two punch at center with Joe Sakic
and Forsberg, but in this salary cap world such a luxury is no longer possible. Turgeon is now 36 and no
longer the all-around threat he was even five years ago. He has posted 40 points in three consecutive
seasons with Dallas, but production like that would hardly replace Forsberg.
Thirty To Watch This NHL Season
Philadelphia, PA -- By Matt Canamucio, Sports Network NHL Editor
10.04.2005

Ted Kulfan's West report
By Ted Kulfan / The Detroit News
10.04.2005
The following is an excerpt of Ted's writing:
Coach: Joel Quenneville. 2003-04: 40-22-13-7, 100 points (second place), lost in second round to the Sharks.

New: RW Ian Laperriere, LW Antti Laaksonen, C Pierre Turgeon, D Patrice Brisebois, LW Brad May, LW Andrew Brunette.

Out: C Peter Forsberg, D Adam Foote, RW Matthew Barnaby, C Chris Gratton, LW Paul Kariya, RW Teemu Selanne.

Strengths: Losing Forsberg and Foote hurts, but this team still has C Joe Sakic, LW Alex Tanguay,
RW Milan Hejduk and D Rob Blake, each of whom ranks among the NHL's best players.

Weaknesses: The Avalanche just don't seem as scary without Forsberg and Foote, and the mystique could be gone.

X-factor: A few people have noticed a "we'll show them" attitude among the Avalanche during the exhibition season.

Projected finish: They'll contend for a playoff spot but don't be surprised if the Avalanche get squeezed out.

Attorneys want Moore's lawsuit tossed
10.03.2005

Avalanche Roster Moves
10.03.2005

5. Colorado Avalanche: Everyone is sounding the death knell for this team, but I don't see it that way at all.
Sure, they lost Forsberg and Adam FooteÑ two serious losses Ñ but they still have Joe Sakic, Alex Tanguay,
Milan Hejduk and Rob Blake. Moreover, they know how to win and they know how to piece together
the parts they lack. David Aebischer should be even better in goal this season, and John-Michael Liles is
emerging as a solid defenseman. Don't count out the Avs just yet.
Ted Mouths Off
Click above link to read what Ted Montgomery from USA Today has to say about each NHL Team
10.03.2005

Avalanche tests winning formula in new NHL
10.03.2005

Leschyshyn retires after 16 seasons
10.03.2005

Odds to Win 2006 Stanley Cup From PinnacleSports.com
10.03.2005

Avalanche doesn't want to fall from list of elites
10.03.2005

Avs' Brunette may earn style points
10.03.2005

Shunning of Moore wrongful
10.03.2005

Avs Mail Bag by Adrian Dater
10.03.2005

Tenth Season To Start!
10.01.2005

PRESEASON: Avs Beat Stars 4-3
Preseason Finale Game 10.01.2005

Steve Moore has court Monday, Oct. 3, 2005
10.01.2005

Remember Peter Worrell? Tryouts in Connecticut
09.30.2005

All About The Avs09.29.2005

PREASON: Avs Lose 4-3 to Kings
09.29.2005

RE: THE AVS -vs- WINGS GAME 09.27.2005
"I think you saw that there's something still to the rivalry,"
Avalanche coach Joel Quenneville said.
09.28.2005

September 27th, 2005 GAME HIGHLIGHTS!
Karlis' total on ice time was 23:46 minutes!
Blake is the only Av who had more ice time than Skratch!

Skratch assisted on the second goal of the night. NICE JOB!

ALSO! The Av organization Named Skratch one of the three stars for the nite!
THREE STARS OF THE GAME:
1. Brunette
2. Aebischer
3. Skrastins

Congrats!

PRESEASON: Avs Kick RedWing BUTT! 2-1
09.27.2005

Ray Bourque's Son Sent To AHL
09.27.2005

Avs Mail Bag by Adrian Dater
09.26.2005

PRESEASON: Kono scores in OT for the WIn! 2-1
09.24.2005

Ante rises for Avs goalie duel
09.23.2005

BONDING TIME: The Avalanche arrived in Las Vegas on Friday and was given
the day off, allowing players time to get to know one another better.
"You go there to have a good dinner, maybe catch a show," defenseman
Rob Blake said. "It's a good little team thing. When I first went,
I was excited, and I'm sure some of these guys are looking forward to going."
Forward Andrew Brunette is making his first trip as a hockey player.
"I think it'll be good for our team to get together," he said. "We've got a
lot of newcomers from different organizations. I think we can do some team bonding."
09.23.2005

Avalanche Reassigns 3 Players Roster now @ 29
09.22.2005

PRESEASON: Red Wings down Avalanche in overtime 3-2
09.21.2005

Hejduk Out For At Least The Next Month
09.20.2005

Bye Bye Riku Hahl * Straighten UP Svatos! * Brad May BOOO
Av's Mail Bag by Adrian Dater
09.19.2005

PRESEASON: Avs Win 4-2 Over Stars!
09.17.2005

The Colorado Avalanche announced today that it recorded the highest single-game
sales total in the history of the franchise. 09.17.2005

May debuts to chorus of boos from Avs fans
Goaltender David Aebischer was solid, stopping all 14 shots he faced before being replaced by
Budaj midway through the second period . . . Quenneville and his coaching staff are expected to
make the first cuts of training camp today. There are 42 players in camp, but that number likely
will be trimmed to 30.
09.17.2005

Avalanche Reassigns 10 Players
09.17.2005

Burgundy & White Game: Burgundy WINS! 3-2
09.17.2005

"I'm not Peter Forsberg, that we know," the 36-year-old veteran said as the Colorado
Avalanche opened training camp this week.
"He can score, he can make plays. He's great around the net. He should help
our power play," Quenneville said.
09.16.2005

Liles gave self helping hand two years ago
09.16.2005

Avalanche forward Alex Tanguay said people "misunderstood" remarks he made
last month about the Vancouver Canucks' Todd Bertuzzi.
09.16.2005

Question to Avs: Do you remember Moore?
09.16.2005

SHOOTOUT CITY: A shootout will be conducted after the Burgundy and White game tonight
and after every NHL preseason game, regardless of the score after regulation or overtime.
It is part of the league's implementation process and a preview for fans.
09.16.2005

Wolski aided by travels, surprises Avalanche
09.16.2005

Winds of change buffet Avalanch
09.08.2005

Av's Mail Bag by Adrian Dater
09.12.2005

The NHL will issue final shootout guidelines before the Oct. 5 regular- season openers.

Training Camp 2005-06 Schedule!
09.01.2005

PreSeason Tix On Sale!
08.31.2005

Hurricane Katrina Relief Campaign
(8/30/2005)
The McCormick Tribune Foundation Hurricane Katrina Relief Campaign has been established
as an effort between McCormick Tribune Foundation and many of its Communities Program
Partners to raise money for victims of Hurricane Katrina. The McCormick Tribune Foundation
will match up to $2 million raised at 50 cents on the dollar. All administrative costs will be paid
by the foundation so that all funds can be distributed directly to disaster relief organizations
that provide short and long-term aid to those affected by Hurricane Katrina.
Click Here to Donate NOW!

Avalanche Season Ticket Sales On Incredible Pace
08.14.2005

Burgundy/White Game September 16, 2005
08.11.2005

Skrastins Under Contract; Avalanche Acquires
A Seventh-Round Draft Choice In 2006
08.09.2005

Article in the Denver Post on Karlis Skrastins!
08.09.2005

Salary cap hits Colorado hard
08.07.2005

Despite losses, Lacroix seeks fans' trust
08.05.2005

Pierre Lacroix Speaks About The Departure Of Forsberg & Foote
08.03.2005

Avs Retain Rights To 14 Players!
07.28.2005

Avalanche Set To Begin Tenth Anniversary Season in the Mile High City
07.25.2005

New Rules!
07.22.2005

Agreement on CBA
07.13.2005

Articles On Drafted Players And Re-signs, More!

Avs News @ ColoradoAvalanche.com

2003-04 News










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