The Colorado Avalanche’s preseason is getting started. Find out some of the important events taking place in September.
The Colorado Avalanche preseason is about to go into high gear, with Rookie Camp starting today and Training Camp next week. As happens every September — which is why I always ask “Is it SEPTEMBER yet?” — news starts trickling in.
To kick off the NHL — and NBA — season, two Altitude TV sports personalities took a walk. A long walk. Kyle Keefe and Vic Lombardi walked from Fort Collins to the Pepsi Center in downtown Denver. That’s a trip of 82 miles, which is symbolic of the 82 home games at Pepsi Center each season — 41 each for the Avalanche and Nuggets.
The Fan Fit Walk was in partnership with UCHealth. The 82-mile walk took place over three days, from September 4 to 6, and was well-chronicled on Twitter. Here’s a sampling:
It has begun! Vic and Kyle are on their way to becoming Fan Fit with UCHealth! https://t.co/y2upAKqw3a
— AltitudeTV (@AltitudeTV) September 4, 2018
Update: Not even 10 miles in and the struggle has already begun. https://t.co/83mM5LWk7x
— AltitudeTV (@AltitudeTV) September 4, 2018
Checking back in!
— Denver Nuggets (@nuggets) September 4, 2018
Vic and Kyle are getting some inspiration from Special Olympics CO! pic.twitter.com/FwNjkzZhPO
.@kylekeefetv and @VicLombardi recap Day 1 of their 82-mile journey to get Fan Fit with UCHealth. https://t.co/e7Z9wv767e
— AltitudeTV (@AltitudeTV) September 5, 2018
Day Two of getting Fan Fit with UCHealth and Kyle is still smiling (for the most part...)!#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/ZVnzij1Ke7
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 5, 2018
Braving the weather for charity! https://t.co/pqvyXCHpKF
— AltitudeTV (@AltitudeTV) September 6, 2018
Ice cream is always a good idea 🍦 pic.twitter.com/4divQbSm3s
— AltitudeTV (@AltitudeTV) September 6, 2018
Made it to Mile Hi. Heading down Colfax to East High School and then Pepsi Center to finish up with @VicLombardi @Avalanche @nuggets @AltitudeTV @uchealth pic.twitter.com/lID7gTyclh
— Kyle Keefe (@kylekeefetv) September 6, 2018
8 2 M I L E S ☑️
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 7, 2018
What a Fan Fit journey with UCHealth! #GoAvsGo https://t.co/0KRWrJViC2
At the Pepsi Center, they were met with none other than our captain, Gabriel Landeskog:
Stopped by to walk with these beauties on their adventure. They’ll be at Pepsi Center at 6pm, swing by! And donate for a a good cause here; https://t.co/Z7HdAKsn9X pic.twitter.com/EfTkbJyWu3
— Gabriel Landeskog (@GabeLandeskog92) September 6, 2018
Our captain doesn’t turn down an opportunity to bask in the spotlight:
Even our Captain knows it’s important to get Fan Fit with UCHealth before the season starts...
— Colorado Avalanche (@Avalanche) September 6, 2018
👋👋👋 #GoAvsGo https://t.co/PKYoVI9orc
— or to turn that spotlight onto a worthy cause.
Along the way, Kyle and Vic made stops at pre-determined locations to help collect sports equipment for Kroenke Sports Charities. The main event is the giveSPORTS Equipment Drive at Pepsi Center on Saturday, Sept. 8 from 9-11:30 a.m.
In partnership with A Precious Child, Kroenke Sports Charities is inviting the public to support underprivileged children in their desire to participate in sports by dropping off new and gently-used sports equipment and monetary donations at the Pepsi Center.
Since its beginning 2011, giveSPORTS has collected over 126,000 pieces of sports equipment and more than $66,000 in sports scholarships to benefit more than 12,000 local kids.
The third event is the Colorado Avalanche’s inaugural Fan Fest. The event takes place at the Pepsi Center on September 29 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. It includes the following events:
- 9-11 a.m.: Street hockey clinics
- 10 a.m.: Avs5k
- 11 a.m. – 1:30 p.m.: Avalanche merchandise clear out
- 11:15-11:45 a.m.: Q&A with head coach Jared Bednar
- 12-2 p.m.: Avalanche players take the ice
Additionally, the Avalanche’s third jerseys are going to be unveiled at the Avs Fan Fest. (They’ll probably be similar to the previous season’s navy Colorado Rockies uniforms.) The event is non-ticketed, but fans should RSVP.
Colorado Avalanche hockey is upon us already with today’s Rookie Camp. Don’t forget to get your tickets for Opening Night, which takes place October 4.