Ever wonder why the Colorado Avalanche wear the yeti patch on their shoulders? Or why goalies use yeti teeth and cartoon depictions of the abominable snowman on their gear? Why there was such upset from Colorado fans when division rivals over in Utah had thrown in the potential yeti mascot?
The answer lies back in 90s when the Quebec Nordiques relocated to Colorado and rebranded as the Avalanche. That move came with the birth a new mascot in the form of a fuzzy, white-haired yeti by the name Howler.
From the Avs founding year of 1995 until 2001, Howler brought energy, passion, and fandom to a newly forming fanbase. Howler was fondly known as "Colorado's friendliest bigfoot" by fans and is still a fan favorite to fans that actually remember him.
It turns out, our friendly bigfoot was not as friendly as Avs fans once believed, at least not to fans of rival teams. The details and full story of Howler's disappearance after 2001 are still unknown but after an altercation with a Chicago Blackhawks fan in 1999, the only thing left of Howler are his footprints on Colorado Jerseys.
The incident between Howler and Blackhawks fan, Linda, happened at McNicholas arena, the home of the Avalanche from 1995 until 2001 when the Pepsi Center opened (now named Ball Arena). According the one report from the Associated Press, Howler bonked Linda and many other fans on the head with a bunch of rolled up posters. Linda didn't appreciate the action and shoved Howler who decided to shove back, and the two ended in a scuffle that had to be stopped by security and police statements were given by both the yeti and the Blackhawks fan.
Linda told news reporters that Howler had kicked her in the stomach but any other details on the story go cold. Even the last name of Linda seems to have faded with Howler as different articles list her with different last names. After 2001 Howler was never seen again and while the Avalanche organization never made a formal statement or released the name of the man behind Howler, rumor has it that it was this incident that led to the end of Howler.
Check out this interesting report on the incident here.
Bernie, default Colorado Avalanche mascot
Until 2009, the Colorado Avalanche were mascot-less when our beloved avalanche patrol St. Bernard, Bernie moved into the organization and into fans hearts.
Howler has a mysterious story with more unknowns than knowns, but the details that are certain provide fun coincidences with Avalanche history. The creation of Howler coincided with the team's first ever Stanley Cup in their 1995-96 inaugural season and the yeti remained with the team until 2001 when the Avs yet again brought home the Stanley Cup. That same year they moved out of McNichols ice arena to their home ice at Ball Arena, where they still play to this day and have now hung a third Stanley Cup banner.
There's no way to be certain that Howler possibly was a sacrifice for a championship but his birth and subsequent death does conveniently line up with two big years in franchise history. Howler's sacrifice is still honored today with the aforementioned yeti footprint patches and merchandise bearing the alternate yeti logo that Avs fans hold so near and dear, the thought of Utah claiming it caused an uproar.
As of today there is nothing pointing towards a reunion between the Avalanche and Howler but it could be in the cards if fans continue to be vocal about wanting him to return home. This doesn't have to mean the end of Bernie either as some teams have two mascots such as the New York Islanders who have Sparky the dragon and Nyisles the fisherman. Colorado to join in on the fun with Bernie the St. Bernard and Howler the yeti, two loveable giants that enjoy frolicking through the snow and may or may not bite (depends on what jersey your wearing).
In the meantime Avs fans, keep an eye out for what seems to be an inevitable Bring Howler Home petition.