Joe Sakic Back With The Avalanche In Back Office

Added on Mar 26, 2011 by J Merrill in

NHL

The Colorado Avalanche announced Friday that Joe Sakic will be coming back to the Colorado Avalanche. Unfortunately, Sakic won’t be chasing down pucks in the corner, as the Avalanche named him as the Executive Advisor/Alternate Governor of the Avalanche. He will begin his new position at the end of the 2010-11 regular season. The 41 year old will serve as an executive adviser regarding all facets of the Avs’ operations. He will also be involved in the business side and will represent the Avalanche at the Board of Governors Meetings as one of the team’s Alternate Governors.

The announcement comes two years after Sakic laced up his skates for the last time. Sakic played all of his 17 seasons with Colorado, and he played 16 of them consecutively as the Captain. Sakic said he was excited to be back involved with hockey, but to be with the Avs is special. He said in a statement “I feel that now is the time for this new challenge. Two years after retiring from the game of hockey, and having had the opportunity to attend the Board of Governors Meeting, I feel excited about getting involved more with the organization. The fact that the Avalanche is giving me this opportunity shows how much they trust my background and hockey experience. I look forward to this new expanded role with the franchise.”

Almost all of the top brass of the Colorado Avalanche had something exciting to say about the addition of Sakic to the team. Avalanche Governor Josh Kroenke was overjoyed, he said “The fact that Joe Sakic has decided to come on board on all facets of hockey operations is exciting news for us and all of our fans.”

Avalanche President Pierre Lacroix continued by talking about how important Sakic has been to the Avs family. Lacroix said “Joe has been the face of our franchise for two decades. He led our organization to success with his contributions both on and off the ice. Right after his retirement we kept him involved, and now his presence and contributions to our team will be a huge asset going forward. Joe will not only serve as an advisor but will also be an invaluable resource.”

Sakic retired on July 9, 2009, following a career that spanned 20 seasons and 1,378 games — all with the Avs’ organization in Quebec and Colorado. Sakic led the Avalanche to Stanley Cup titles in 1996 and 2001. Sakic is also the eighth-highest scorer in NHL history with 1,641 career points. He sits 15th all-time in goals (625) and 11th in assists (1,016). Only four players ever recorded more points with a single franchise — Gordie Howe (1,809) and Steve Yzerman (1,755) with Detroit, and Mario Lemieux with Pittsburgh (1,723) and Wayne Gretzky with Edmonton (1,669). Sakic ranks seventh all-time in playoff goals (84) and playoff points (188-tied), and holds the NHL record with eight overtime goals in Stanley Cup play.

Avalanche General Manager and Executive Vice President Greg Sherman said hat Sakic will be invaluable to the organization. He said “With his background and credibility in the sport of hockey and in our community, Joe will be an outstanding asset to our entire operation. His presence and insight will be essential to our entire team both on and off the ice.”