Colorado Avalanche Roster - 2010-2011 Edition

After final cuts, our 2010-2011 Avalanche roster is set for opening night.*

The surprise player making the team is Mark Olver who I know absolutely nothing about other than being the smallest player on the roster at 5'10" and 170lbs. His college stats show he knows how to score which is great but that size doesn't appear conducive to playing on the fourth line. So where does he fit in?

Ryan Stoa continues to disappoint, getting sent down again even with a wing spot opened up with Peter Mueller's concussion. He's heading towards bust territory but still has time to turn that around.

Jonas Holos made the squad as most people were expecting as he apparently had a solid preseason. I'm really looking forward to seeing him in action come Thursday evening.

Other than that, there isn't much of note as to how the roster shaped up. Now we have an exciting four days to wait for opening night. This is our Dec 21st people. Savor the wait!

*As of this writing, they still have Ryan Stoa and Colby Cohen listed on the roster which is not accurate.

Related Links
Avalanche focus shifting to Chicago
Avs make three cuts

I wish I was in Denver

Did you hear it? Yep, that's what you thought you heard. A fresh set of rookies taking their freshly sharpened skates onto a fresh sheet of ice. I wasn't there, but I heard it.

Colorado Avalanche rookie camp got underway today and following along on Dario's twitter feed had me wishing I was in Denver catching the action first-hand rather than through the Inter-tubes.

There's nothing quite like seeing hockey players heading onto the ice. And when that group includes some promising rookies in Matt Duchene, Ryan Stoa, T.J. Galiardi, along with the returns of Steve Konowalchuk and Sylvain Lefebvre? Invigorating. And that's from 1700+km away. I can only imagine what it felt like to be there.

Is it Oct 5th yet?

Related Links
Training Camp Day Discussion (thoughts from mfrured20)
First day of rookie camp, with video (AD brings back the blog)
Rookie Camp Roundup - Day 1 (Angelique gathers it all up for us)

Avalanche Sign Stoa, McNicoll

The Colorado Avalanche announced the signing of Ryan Stoa to a two-year, entry level contract today.

I've been intrigued by Stoa but still don't know a whole lot about his game. Watching the highlights package the team put together - which is a nice touch on their part for selling the signing - he looks like big guy with a hard shot who has no qualms about mucking it up in front of the net. My excitement meter is now at green. Whatever that means.

Given that he was picked just ahead of Paul Stastny in '05, there might be some high expectations when he joins the team. Let's bring him up now and see if he can save the season!

The club also signed Cedric McNicoll who I know absolutely nothing about. He put up 104 points in 65 games with Shawinigan of the QMJHL which is not too shabby.

Related Links
Ryan Stoa discusses contract signing
Avs sign Ryan Stoa

Ryan Stoa Blows Out Knee

Ryan Stoa is set to undergo knee surgery which will cause him to miss the rest of the season with the Golden Gophers. It's a tough break for a young player and I'm sure he'll have a great season next year.

Jori at Avs Prospects has the story. Click here to read more.