Colorado Rocky Hockey 1976-1982

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From The Hockey News:

“One time, in Colorado, Don Cherry’s dog Blue came waddling into our locker room. He came in and, you know how those dogs do it, he rubbed his butt on the floor - right in front of my locker, in the area I used to do push-ups. So I gave Blue a little whack with my stick and he ran yelping down the hall back to Don’s office. Then Don came in and asked who did it? We kind of looked around, said we didn’t know. The next day I got traded to New York.”

Barry

This is testament that even the Rockies coach in ‘81. This was sent from Don Cherry to my friend Art Hinojos. Amazing that momentos like this still exist 38+ years after the day!!

I’m broken hearted to report that Rockies Captain Mike Christie lost his battle with kidney disease and passed away on July 11, 2019.

Mike McEwen arrived in Denver as part of the trade that moved Barry Beck to the Rangers. McEwen’s constant conflict with Don Cherry resulted in a short stay with the Rockies. He was traded to the NY Islanders and was part of 3 Stanley Cup Champ Runs in the 1980’s.

Here are some interesting fights - Rockies (all heart ) vs. some true tested NHL Masters of the fight trade. Have a look!

Colorado Rockies Fights

Please help a former DUPioneer and Colorado Rockie through a serious health challenge. Read more below:

Classy Avalanche move to bring home some of the Colorado Rockies for opening faceoff!

Colorado Rockies Presentation and Ceremonial Faceoff Lanny Macdonald drops puck for ceremonial faceoff and indoctrination of the new 3rd jerseys - adopted by the original Colorado NHL hockey team "Colorado Rock...

Hardy Astrom the Swedish Goaltender and whipping boy for coach Don Cherry. Often the focus of Cherry tirades regarding weak European players. He was one of the last goaltenders to wear the “Friday the 13th” style mask.

Let’s be honest: The Rockies on ice performance often left much to be desired. Their best season was only 14 wins. That meant lots of losses for the fans. Denver hockey enthusiasts understood the need to lift spirits. Here a fan known as “Doctor Xerox” frequently would wear a “Tricky Dick Nixon” mask to give fans, players and yes, even coaches, a laugh during tough times.

“The Hey” cheer - Rock & Roll part 2. The Rockies were the first major sports franchise to adopt Gary Glitter’s song as their “After Goal” cheer music. Rockies PR man, Kevin O’Brian first introduced the tune and it blared whenever the Rockies scored!! It was “borrowed” by the Denver Nuggets and Broncos after the Rockies left Colorado to become the NJ Devils. Many sports teams have used the song since. Glitter, seen below was quite a sight from the 70’s glam rock culture.
Play the song here:

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=hIRXAw20HM4

One lasting legacy from the Rockies, was the birth of Don Cherry as a color commentator for Hockey Night in Canada. When the 1981-1982 Rockies ended the season out of the playoffs - Cherry as Head Coach, Cherry was invited to help with the post season broadcasts. Obviously, job stability, pay and endorsements have lead Don to a long career. The Rockies were his springboard of sorts!