The Colorado Avalanche and Carolina Hurricanes brought a nostalgic vibe to the ice on Thursday night as they donned retro jerseys representative of their franchise histories during a game held in Denver.
In celebration of the 30th anniversary of their franchise, the Avalanche showcased their striking new alternate jerseys inspired by the Quebec Nordiques. The team’s inception dates back to the 1995-96 NHL season, following their acquisition of the Nordiques franchise from Quebec City. In a spirited homage, the Hurricanes sported the classic Hartford Whalers jerseys, a nod to their roots before relocating to North Carolina in 1997.
Both teams highlighted a rich history, as the Nordiques and Whalers were fierce rivals in the Adams Division from 1981 until 1995, facing off in the postseason on two notable occasions. The Whalers initially took the upper hand in their 1986 Division Semi-Final series with a clean sweep, but the Nordiques struck back a year later with a 4-2 series victory in a rematch.
Fans can look forward to more opportunities to see these throwback jerseys on display. The Hurricanes have scheduled two additional games this season to wear their Hartford Whalers threads, including a matchup against the Avalanche on January 3, where Colorado will also wear their Nordiques jerseys. Furthermore, the Hurricanes will celebrate “Whalers Night” by wearing their old-school jerseys during a game against the Utah Mammoth on January 29. Colorado will continue to honor their heritage with their Nordiques throwbacks in six more games throughout the remainder of the season, promising fans an unforgettable trip down memory lane.