1 week Ago
LOVELAND, Colo. — Colorado Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog made his long-awaited return to hockey Friday night, appearing with the minor league Colorado Eagles as part of a conditioning assignment after being sidelined for nearly three years with a knee injury. The appearance of the Stanley Cup-winning captain created an electric atmosphere at the Eagles' arena in Loveland, with many fans purchasing tickets just to witness Landeskog's comeback.
"He's the Avs leader, he is our heart and soul," said one enthusiastic fan. "It's huge for the Avalanche team to have that leadership back on the bench." Landeskog, who wears number 92, has not played since helping the Avalanche win the Stanley Cup in 2022.
His assignment to the Eagles, the Avalanche's minor league affiliate, marks a significant step in his rehabilitation process. Tim Horn, sporting a Landeskog jersey, was among many fans who came specifically to see the captain back on the ice. "It's a Landeskog jersey.
I have had it since he came into the league," Horn said. "Couldn't find a better night to throw it on and come up here." Horn added that he was willing to attend regardless of how much playing time Landeskog received.
"Even if he only plays four minutes, five minutes, whatever — I just want to see him on the ice." The anticipation for Landeskog's return was so high that many fans purchased tickets before his appearance was officially confirmed. "We had no idea he was even going to play.
There was just a possibility, and we have had them for a week now," one fan explained. Another attendee added, "When I heard it was a thing, I snagged tickets real quick." Fans predicted an enthusiastic reception for the captain's return before the game began.
"I think it's going to be electric with Landeskog coming out on the ice," said one fan. "I think the crowd is going to go nuts. It's going to be an electric atmosphere.
" The significance of Landeskog's return extends beyond his skills as a player, with many highlighting his leadership qualities. "On the ice, he just looks after his teammates, his best friends," one fan commented. The game also attracted new spectators to the Eagles' arena.
"This is actually my first time. I used to live up in Loveland, but I was never able to actually get out to the Eagles," one attendee said. For many Avalanche season ticket holders, the minor league game represented a chance to welcome back a beloved figure in Colorado hockey.
As one fan put it, speaking for many: "From all of us, season ticket holders at Ball Arena, waiting for our Captain to come back.".
