Colorado Rockies: NHL Historical Franchise
A Brief History
The Colorado Rockies were a professional ice hockey team in the National Hockey League (NHL) that played in Denver from 1976 to 1982.
The Rockies were one of four teams to join the NHL in 1976, along with the Atlanta Flames, Cleveland Barons, and Washington Capitals.
The Rockies played their home games at McNichols Sports Arena.
Team Performance
The Rockies never made the playoffs during their six seasons in the NHL.
Their best finish was a third-place finish in the Patrick Division in 1977-78.
The Rockies finished with a losing record in each of their six seasons.
Relocation
The Rockies were sold in 1982 and relocated to New Jersey, where they became the New Jersey Devils.
The Devils have since won three Stanley Cups (1995, 2000, 2003).
Legacy
The Colorado Rockies were a short-lived franchise, but they left a lasting legacy in Denver.
The McNichols Sports Arena, where the Rockies played their home games, is now the home of the Denver Nuggets (NBA) and Colorado Avalanche (NHL).
The Rockies' relocation to New Jersey paved the way for the Avalanche to move to Denver in 1995.
