My story on in its entirety Saturday. Our apologies for the delay. He has been training in Sweden since the end of the NHL regular season and difficult to track down. We talked via audio-only Facetime. He does not have an international calling plan. True to his reputation, he is soft-spoken. Nice guy.
Here’s the chart that ran under the story:
Carl Soderberg: 5 Things to Know
Carl Soderberg is replacing Ryan O’Reilly as the center for one of the Avalanche’s top two lines. Five facts about the former Boston Bruin:
• Physically imposing forward at 6-foot-3 and 216 pounds.
• Amassed 94 points (29 goals) in 161 NHL games the past two seasons for Boston, missing just nine games.
• Second-round (49th) draft pick of the St. Louis Blues in 2004, but chose to play pro hockey in his Swedish hometown until age 26, partly because of an eye injury.
• During the NHL lockout in 2012-13, he produced 31 goals in 54 games for Linkopings HC-Sweden.
• His NHL career plus-minus rating is plus-12; O’Reilly is minus-11
I’m covering the 36th Mile-High Nationals at Bandimere Speedway this weekend. Been at this gig since 1996 or so, but I still have no interest in taking a second whiff of nitromethane. The first time was enough.
NHL referee Dave Jackson, a new Coloradoan from Montreal, was at the track Friday. Here’s proof:
NHL referee Dave Jackson is getting his nitro Funny Car education today from in Denver.
— The Mayor John Hoven (@mayorNHL)
Mr. Jackson and I have become friends. He’s taught me how to play guitar and I’ve introduced him to three local private skates. Through Dave, I’ve also got to know longtime Colorado resident Brad Watson, another veteran NHL ref. Mr. Watson is also skating in our groups. It’s been a great summer getting to know these guys.
The following news release from the Avalanche was as exciting about the team’s previously revealed 20th anniversary logo. But here’s some events planned during the 20th anniversary season:
The Colorado Avalanche announced today the list of special events that will be held during the upcoming 20th Anniversary Season in 2015-16.
Below is a list of events that will take place:
· October 8 – Opening Night – The Kickoff to the 20th Anniversary Season
· October 24 – Celebration of Hockey in Colorado
· December 7 – 20th Anniversary Team
· January 8 – Museum Night at Pepsi Center
· January 20 – Top 20 Plays
· February 27 – 2016 Coors Light NHL Stadium SeriesTM Game
· March 5 – Military Appreciation Day
· April 9 – Fan Appreciation Day
