My passion for game worn jerseys and telling their stories has been well documented here for many years. I have quietly collected Avalanche game used and goal scored pucks throughout the years as well. These pucks, just like jerseys, have stories to tell. As expected, I really enjoy doing the research and exploring the details and figured it was time to share some puck history here too. Hoping you appreciate these small pieces of Colorado Avalanche history as much as I do.
I acquire goals pucks from all kinds of places: directly from teams, buddies that are at games in opposing rinks (more details about this in a future post), NHL and team auctions, eBay, and other collectors too. As mentioned in my last goal puck post, sometimes all that’s needed is being on the app at the right time. The story behind these pucks takes place over several years. I will obviously explain, but first, the pucks.
THE DATE: November 23, 2018
THE VENUE: Gila River Arena. Glendale, Arizona.
THE GOALS: J.T. Compher, shorthanded, at 7:28 of the first period of play and J.T. Compher, shorthanded, at 8:53 of the first period of play.
THE DETAILS: These were Compher’s fourth and fifth goals of the season and the 20th and 21st goals of his career. Compher had been out the previous 16 games before this as he recovered from a concussion. That’s how you return to the lineup after being out for a bit. There was some NHL history behind these two pucks as well.
Mikko Rantanen, who had been in the penalty box while Compher was busy scoring shorthanded goals, scored on yet another breakaway 46 seconds after Compher’s second goal of the first period to put the Avs up 3-0. The Avalanche eventually won the game by a final score of 5-1.
THE ASSISTS: Matt Nieto had the lone assist on the first goal. The second goal was unassisted.
THE HIGHLIGHTS: At 1:40 of the video below. Games in Arizona have always been very well attended by Avalanche faithful. This game was no different.
Here’s a shorter package from SPORTSNET. It’s always fun to hear Marc Moser’s call as well.
As this game was happening I was trying to figure out how I might be able to get these goal pucks in my collection. The Coyotes were working with Fanatics at the time so I knew they would eventually show up on eBay. When they were listed a few weeks later I was able to put in offers for both of the pucks. I acquired one of them while the other one was purchased by someone else with the “Buy It Now” option. I then figured this “project” was something I was never going to be able to complete. I did my best at the time though. That’s all that could be done.
Fast forward to a little over two years later and the second goal puck gets listed on eBay again for about the same price as it was listed for originally. This was a no brainer. Goal pucks are fun. A pair of goal pucks with some cool hockey history behind them are even better, especially since I thought I would never have the chance to have them both. It’s exciting when things work out, even years later.
More goal puck stories soon. Thanks for reading. Talk to you again soon and #GoAvsGo.
