End of an Era

Today Joe Sakic announced his retirement from the NHL at the age of 40.

For a complete, actually professional story, see this link.

For me, though, it marks the end of the Colorado Avalanche "Chapter One." Sure, for some people that chapter may have ended when Deadmarsh, Forsberg, Roy, or some other player left the team. For others, it may have been at the end of the 11th season in Colorado when the Avs failed to win the Division (and, if I recall correctly, even missed the playoffs). But for me the Colorado Avalanche has always centered around it's leader and captain, #19. Well, that and the guy on the third level who used to pour Matt and I these amazing gin and tonics that were 99.9% gin, and a squeeze of lime. That guy was pretty inspirational too.

But as far as "on the ice" goes.....although the g-and-t's had ice too.....

Ok.... as far as anything with skates goes, the Avalanche has always had Joe at the heart of the team since they moved to Colorado in 1995. In fact, the only hockey sweater I own is a #19 Joe Sakic.

Super Joe, you will be missed.

Note: One important stat left out of the linked article. Joe holds the all-time NHL record for most playoff overtime goals at 8. The next closest (shared by Drury, Jagr, Roenick, Lagenbrunner, Muller and Murphy) is 4.

To conclude, I'm adding some clips of great Joe Sakic moments (my favorite is the rare fight, announced my Mike Haynes)

This one really shows of that crazy-quick wrist shot

And for those of you who are confused because you were searching for Sinan Sakic, here's a rockin' video for you as well. (I'm really intrigued by the boys at 0:09 to 0:12 - it's reminicent of the girls in Elvis concert footage.....only they were girls swooning or whatever. What are these guys so excited about?)