Aug. 10 has been both a hectic and sad day in NHL history, as Hall of Famer and Chicago Blackhawks legend Tony Esposito passed away in 2021. In other news, a relocated team got its new identity and logo and an expansion team made its first-ever trade. Finally, a coaching change was made, and two future successful head coaches found new homes during their playing days.
Hockey World Loses Another Legend in Tony Esposito
The world mourned the loss of another great hockey player and human being on Aug. 10, 2021, when it was announced that Esposito had passed away at the age of 78 after a brief battle with pancreatic cancer. The former Black Hawks star was a fixture in the NHL for 16 seasons as he retired at the age of 40 with a Calder Trophy and three Vezina Trophies.
Related: Remembering Chicago Blackhawks’ Legend Tony Esposito
Although Esposito didn’t start his career with the Black Hawks, he played 873 of his 886 career games with them and finished with a 2.93 goals-against average (GAA) and .906 save percentage (SV%) along with 74 shutouts. He remains the winningest goaltender in Blackhawks history with 418 victories and is the all-time leader in shutouts (74), saves (24,376) and games played (873).
After Esposito retired in 1984, he was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 1988 along with Guy Lafleur, George Hayes, Buddy O’Connor, Brad Park and Edward Snider. His No. 35 was also retired by the Blackhawks in November of that same year. Finally, he was named one of the “100 Greatest Players in NHL History” by the NHL in 2017. Since March of 2008 and up until his passing in 2021, he had served as the team’s ambassador.
Avalanche Get Their Identity
On Aug. 10, 1995, the former Quebec Nordiques officially named themselves the Colorado Avalanche and revealed their new logo and team colors. The franchise was given approval by the league to relocate to Denver on June 21, 1995.
The team’s first year in Colorado was one for the ages. In December of 1995, they traded for…
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