DENVER – What do Colorado Avalanche greats Nathan MacKinnon, Joe Sakic, Peter Forsberg, Patrick Roy, Claude LeMieux, Adam Foote, and Peak to Peak Hockey players have in common? Answer: They’ve all played games at Ball Arena.

In an effort to promote Colorado youth hockey, on January 31, Peak to Peak players aged 5 through 15 were invited to play before the game and during intermissions at the Colorado Avalanche vs. St. Louis Blues game (Avs 5, Blues 0).

Just skating on the same hallowed ice as Avs players was a thrill. The boys and girls hearing their names announced on the loudspeaker at a professional hockey game isn’t something they’ll soon forget.

Two five-minute games of different age groups were played simultaneously at either end of the rink. There was also a relay race that involved skating around and jumping over obstacles that was a lot of fun, with 20,000 rabid hockey fans cheering them on.

Now having finished their season, there were over 70 kids that signed up for hockey this past year. Peak to Peak Endurance also offers basketball and soccer programs for children in the local mountain region.

Executive Director Gavin Coombs expressed after the kids’ Ball Arena appearance, “Peak to Peak Endurance would like to thank all of the coaches and parents who have dedicated so much of their time to making this season a success. I’d also like to thank The Daniels Fund for their support this year, Peak to Peak Plumbing owner Joe Ryan for his ongoing support of youth sports, and the Central City Elks Lodge for their continued support."

For more information about Peak to Peak Endurance programs, go to www.peaktopeakendurance.com.