Thank You Avalanche Faithful!!
Dear Avalanche Faithful,
Thank you for embracing me as your in-arena emcee for the past 10 seasons. I am so incredibly grateful for the opportunity and experiences. This decision was truly one of the hardest decisions in my life, and I wanted to take a moment to thank so many of you who were part of this journey. I am choosing to retire from my role as the in-arena emcee after this past season. Going out on top and so grateful for every moment, relationship, and laugh I had along the way!
10 seasons ago, my boss Steve (Thank you Steve!!!!) took a chance on me as the new Colorado Avalanche In Arena Emcee. My dear friend Lauren Gardner had been doing the in-arena emcee job previously and was moving onto bigger things (that she did too!! So proud of her!!) I had been with the KSE organization previously as a Denver Nuggets Dancer for 5 years, so I was familiar with the crew, the arena and family there. I auditioned for the spot and was very lucky when I got the job…..thank goodness YouTube wasn’t a big thing back then because those initial days were not my best. Amanda was my direct coordinator during the first few seasons and good lord am I grateful for her. I could NOT have succeeded without her help, direction and guidance so THANK YOU Amanda!!!
I hate saying “no” to opportunities. This was in my benefit during my time with the Avalanche because the amount of experiences, relationships and memories formed directly correlated to my interest in being part of ALL the things. I could write a novel about all of the moments I cherish but i’ll mention a few of the top ones here:
Winning the Stanley Cup this past season + the parade!! ….Obviously top memory.
The Charity Brunch - This is one of the most special days every season. The kids and families are such an inspiration.
Jersey Retirement Ceremonies
Military Appreciation Night
Stadium Series Games
Walking on the Ice in Heels - The question I heard the most (almost every night) at games. So just to make sure I’m setting the record straight….it’s truly my only talent! haha I do not have stickies on the bottom of my heels, or spikes. The guys chop up the ice so much by the time intermission comes that I’m able to confidently, slowly walk on the ice in heels.
Watch Parties - Thank you to the incredible marketing crew for always taking me in as one of their own on these nights!! Danielle & Meredith…we’ve been through some roughhhh watch parties and I’m so grateful for the memories that came from some of the more challenging ones.
Thank you…
Charlotte, thank you for being you. Thank you for inspiring me to be the best version of myself at the games thank you for teaching me what it means to represent the A. You are such an incredible and crucial part of my time with the Avalanche organization. It is hard to put into words how much I look up to you and appreciate you. I still carry around the little rock that you gave to us at the Charity Brunch a few years back that says “Gratitude” on it. I also have the puzzle piece you gave to us in recent years, those small gestures meant the most and you always made a point to make us all feel like we’re part of this family. That will always stick with me.
Joe, thank you for your kindness. Growing up as an Avalanche fan, “Super Joe” was an icon. I still remember the first time I saw you walking down the hall and you said “Hey Nicole” I couldn’t believe YOU knew MY name. I’d often see you post-game walking towards the locker room, and you always made the effort to say hi no matter what the outcome of a game was. You are an inspiration to work for and I’m grateful to be part of an organization and family that you worked hard to build.
Ice Patrol, thank you for letting me be your mama bear. I love you all and I’m so grateful for the opportunity to work with each and every one of you year after year. I love sharing laughs with you. I am so grateful that you tried…keyword, tried….to teach me how to skate, it’s definitely for the best that I stick to heels and let you all stick to the skating.
Coach, thank you for crushing it at your job. Not only are you an amazing coach, but you’re also a great human. I’ll always be grateful for you reaching out to me the night of the Marshall Fire. Your kind words were a bright light on a very scary and challenging night. I think that example speaks volumes to your character and who you are both on and off the bench.
Blaise, Michael, Sam, Brandon, Morgan, Steve, Cam, Ryan, Roach, Rachel, Tony, Nicole, Tiff (plus many more)…..You all have NO idea how much you mean to me. I can’t believe I’m choosing to step away from hanging out with you crazies every game night. The amount of laughs, memories and fun we’ve had is hard to even fathom. Our pre-game meetings all the way to our headset banter is something that I’ll miss the most. Ugh, I’m not crying, you’re crying!!! This is harder to write than I thought it would be!! Jeopardy, Pre-game meeting jokes from Cam, Post-Game celebrations on the ice, Roach’s one-liners on headset. There’s just no way to put my appreciation into words for each and every one of you. Thank you for letting me be part of this dysfunctional, yet perfect family.
Richie, thank you for your support. This past season was one for the books and I’m so damn grateful to share those memories with you. Through unlikely and challenging circumstances, I met your handsome face at an Avalanche game a year and a half ago. I owe it to this organization for the opportunity to meet you and begin our crazy journey. Thank you for being at that game, thank you for loving me through the ups and downs. Thank you for going to so many games and watch parties to support me. I love you!
Avalanche Fans…you’re not just fans, you’re family. There are no words that truly describe my appreciation for your kindness, love and friendship night after night. You all are just incredible. Sharing the Stanley Cup run with you all was something I’ll cherish for the rest of my life. Thank you to the dedicated and die-hard fans. I’m still trying to hear properly after the playoffs…you were LOUDDDD and amazing!! Thank you for lining the streets of Denver during the parade, holy bananas what an experience to be in the parade and celebrate with you all!! I am so lucky to have met some of you through this team and now call you family. Patty, Mike and Alexander, I’m looking at you!!
I could go on and on and I probably forgot some people in here (sorry, I’m still so emotional about this decision!) Please do not be strangers, the beauty of social media is that we can all continue to stay in touch and let’s be real, I’m probably going to be at a bunch of games!! Thank you all, truly THANK YOU!
GO AVS GO
