Avalanche pull off unexpected spectacle that has fans buzzing
Photo credit: Tyler McFarland / Clarkson Creative
The Colorado Avalanche's performance at Ball Arena on Saturday has fans and analysts buzzing with anticipation for what promises to be an exciting 2025-26 NHL season.
On Saturday, the Avalanche welcomed fans to the 2025 Fan Fest at Ball Arena, featuring a practice session followed by an exciting skills competition.
Avalanche give the fans what they want in latest on-ice showcase.
Coby Maier from NHL.com reports that the skills featured a relay race won by Team Colorado 14U AAA, along with challenges in shooting accuracy, stickhandling and passing, and the hardest slap shot.
The participants were split into two teams: Team Landeskog and Team Makar/Toews.
The event was a hit with everyone, including Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog, who clearly relished the festivities.
"We enjoyed it. So I hope the fans enjoyed it, too." -Landeskog
Toews claimed victory in the shot accuracy challenge, hitting all four targets in just 7.863 seconds. During the event, Avalanche players received passes from Team Colorado 14U AAA, who fed pucks from the goal line into the slot.
"I thought it was a really nice touch to have them out there and be a part of it and each be part of a team. And unfortunately, not all the girls could win, be a part of the winning Team Landeskog, but at least the girls on my team seemed happy at the end of it. And we were able to bring them a win." -Landeskog
In the hardest shot contest, veteran defenseman Josh Manson took the top spot with a 102.9 mph slap shot, narrowly edging out Makar's 100.4 mph attempt.
"It was fun. I'm glad the kids were on the ice for it. Their relay race was a lot of fun. That was one of the most fun cheering on moments, for sure. And then when they were getting involved cheering on guys, that was fun." -Manson
In a closely fought battle, Team Landeskog edged out Team Makar/Toews with a 14-13 victory.
| POLL | ||
SEPTEMBRE 28 | 20 ANSWERS Avalanche pull off unexpected spectacle that has fans buzzing Should the Avalanche host more Fan Fest's over the course of the regular season? | ||
| yes | 8 | 40 % |
| no | 12 | 60 % |
| List of polls | ||
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