Colorado Avalanche: The Return of Tyson Barrie

Former Colorado Avalanche Tyson Barrie made his first appearance at Pepsi Center on Saturday night after being traded to the Toronto Maple Leafs on July 1st. With a goal and an assist from Barrie, the Toronto Maple Leafs beat the Colorado Avalanche 5-3.

November 23rd has been marked on my calendar for months, I can’t even explain how much I was looking forward to Tyson Barrie returning to Colorado. And I can safely say, I was not at all disappointed.

Warmups prior to puck drop were packed to the brim with signs from fans welcoming back Tyson, along with a few big heads! The amount of fans who took the time to make signs thanking Tyson, and letting him know how much we all miss and love him was incredible to see. He was always one of the fan favorites among Avs fans.

We were also treated with some love from our favorite best friends, it’s so good to see Nathan Mackinnon and Tyson Barrie stay just as close as they have been for the last six years.

Shortly after the first period began, Tyson’s tribute video was played at Pepsi Center. At just under two minutes, it was easily one of the longest player tribute videos I have ever seen. The video highlighted not only his incredible offensive ability, but also his personality and attitude. After the video concluded, Tyson received a well deserved standing ovation from fans at Pepsi Center.

And because the curse of the ex Avalanche is still alive, about thirteen minutes into the first period Tyson Barrie scored his first goal at Pepsi Center as a member of the Toronto Maple Leafs. Even though it was scored against the Avalanche, it was so much fun to see Tyson score again in front of the fans who have been there since day one of his career. Tyson would later be named the first star of the game with one goal and one assist.

Regardless of how you feel about Tyson Barrie as a player, I think we can all agree that he is an incredible person who made a massive impact on the Colorado Avalanche community after spending 8 seasons as an Av.

He is an amazing example of a player who reminds us time and time again why hockey will always be more than just a game. I know for me personally, he will always be my favorite Av, and my favorite player, regardless of what team he plays for.

And Tyson, you will always have a home in Colorado. Once an Av, always an Av. You deserve nothing but the best. Thank you for everything you did for this team, this organization and this community. You’ll always be remembered as one of the most special players to suit up for the Colorado Avalanche. We love you, TBeauty!!