Colorado Avalanche to Wear Quebec Nordiques Uniforms in Montreal Matchup
The Colorado Avalanche will don the classic blue, white, and red uniforms of the Quebec Nordiques when they face off against the Montreal Canadiens this Thursday at the Bell Centre. This special tribute honors the franchise that left Quebec City after the 1994-95 NHL season and relocated to Denver, where they remarkably won the Stanley Cup in their inaugural season.
Reviving the Battle of Quebec: A Rivalry Like No Other
Former Montreal Canadiens players Chris Nilan and Rick Green, both members of the 1986 Stanley Cup championship team, recently shared vivid memories of what they describe as an explosive rivalry. In a bonus episode of The Gazette's Hockey Inside/Out Show, hosted by Stu Cowan, the veterans reflected on the intensity that defined the Battle of Quebec.
Chris Nilan and Rick Green were central figures in those historic clashes, and they recounted personal anecdotes about which Nordiques players they most disliked and which opponents they secretly respected. The atmosphere at the Montreal Forum when the Nordiques came to town was electric, creating unforgettable moments for players and fans alike.
Legacy of a Franchise Transition
The Nordiques' departure from Quebec marked the end of an era, but their legacy continues through the Avalanche organization. This jersey tribute serves as a poignant reminder of the team's roots and the passionate hockey culture that once thrived in Quebec City. The move to Colorado brought immediate success, with the franchise capturing the Stanley Cup in 1996, just one season after relocation.
The Hockey Inside/Out Show will release two additional bonus episodes in the coming days, with the regular weekly program returning next Thursday. Listeners can subscribe to the Hockey Inside/Out YouTube channel or find the show on popular platforms like Spotify and Apple Podcasts.
