UNLIKELY PLAYOFF TEAM
The Colorado Rockies weren’t expected to make the 1978 NHL playoffs. Firstly, only 12 of 18 teams made the playoffs and Colorado ended up 16th in wins. The Rockies won only 19 games during their 80 game schedule. On the road, the team won only 2 of 40 games. During the year, Colorado lacked the talent and depth to consistency beat other NHL teams.
(Denver Post / Getty Images)
“We’re fighting for the playoffs and we’re fighting for the franchise.”
PAT KELLY, Coach of the Colorado Rockies
(March 29, 1978 / Vancouver Sun)
(Fort Collins Coloradoan / March 19, 1978)
THE SMYTHE FACTOR
But, the Rockies were placed in the the Smythe division (the worst in the NHL). This gave them a fighting chance to earn a playoff spot. During the last weeks of the season, Colorado were winning games. They also finished the season leading the NHL with 21 ties. Those valuable points earned them 2nd place in their division — and a spot in the NHL playoffs.
(Denver Post / Getty Images)
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(Denver Post / Getty Images)
Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Colorado Rockies faced the Philadelphia Flyers in the first round mini series — and many hockey experts expected a blow out. Leading the way, Philadelphia had captain Bobby Clarke and goalie Bernie Parent. The Flyers were loaded with grit, experience, and scoring power.
The Rockies were swept in 2 games but played valiantly. Even though the Flyers controlled the flow during the playoffs, the Rockies’ Doug Favell played the best goaltending of his career. Colorado played a tight defensive system and kept many of the shots to the outside. In Game 1, the Flyers won 3-2 in overtime. Game 2 was in Denver, and the packed arena saw the Rockies courageously battle to a 3-1 loss.
(Image Source: Ebay online link)
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PIVOTAL TEAMMATES
Even though Colorado lacked depth, they did have a few exceptional players.. Barry Beck was a dominant NHL rookie in the 1977/78 season. He was a huge defender with unbelievable skill and power. The reason Beck wasn’t the NHL’s Rookie of the Year was because Hall of Famer Mike Bossy broke the rookie 50-goal plateau. Wilf Paiement was the first star of the Rockies franchise. He was a controversial, tough and talented winger with a nose for the net. Paiement owns the Rockies’ single season records for goals (41 goals), assists (56), and points (87). (Images: eBay Online / Upper Deck Legend Hockey Cards)
John Van Boxmeer played defence with an offensive flair and had 12 goals, 42 assists and 54 points in the 1977-78 season. Gary Croteau brought consistency and scoring depth to the Rockies. In 1978/79, Croteau scored 23 goals for the struggling team. (Images: eBay Online / 1978-79 Hockey Cards)
By the time Doug Favell came to Colorado, he was at the end of his veteran NHL career. Doug backstopped the Rockies into the playoffs and played spectacularly against the Philadelphia Flyers. Ron Delorme brought grit and accountability to the Rockies’ lineup. In 1978/79, Delorme had his best scoring season (20 goals), and regularly played on a checking line with Ralph Klassen and Rey Comeau. (Images: Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images & njdevilspitchfork.com)
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Paul Gardner was Colorado’s top center and scored 30 goals in 46 games during the Rockies’ 1977-78 season. Unfortunately, he fractured his vertebra in January and was out for the rest of the season. The Rockies’ definitely missed his elite scoring touch during the playoffs. (Image: njdevilspitchfork.com)
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NOTABLE GAMES / #1
January 28, 1978 — Ralph Klassen recorded 3 assists in the the Colorado Rockies’ 6-4 victory over the tough Philadelphia Flyers. Klassen played on a line with Wilf Paiement and set him up for 2 goals in the 3rd period. During the 77-78 NHL season, the Rockies won 2 of their 3 home games against the Flyers. Klassen helped the Rockies clinch their only playoff birth by scoring a goal against Philadelphia in their vital 4-3 victory on March 28, 1978.
(Denver Post / Getty Images)
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NOTABLE GAMES / #2
January 31, 1979 — Ralph Klassen scored 2 goals and added 1 assist in the Rockies’ thrilling 5-4 victory over the New York Rangers. Teammate Ron Delorme assisted on both of Klassen’s goals and Klassen set up Merlin Malinowski for the game winner. The Rockies had a 5-1 lead in the third period but the NY Rangers exploded with 3 quick goals in the game’s last 4 minutes.
(Photo: Kenn Bisio / The Denver Post / Getty Images)
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(The Bergen Record / UPI Photo)
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(Unknown Photographer / eBay Link)
ROCKY TIMES
The team tanked after their 1978 playoff season. Again, Ralph Klassen found himself on a team without a winning culture or stable ownership. Before the 1978-79 season started, the Rockies almost moved to Houston, Texas — but were sold to Arthur Imperatore — and his goal was to eventually move the team to New Jersey. After the first 22 games of the new season, the Rockies only won 3 games. Losing was taking it’s toll on everyone. The coach was fired. The Rockies finished the 1978-79 season with only 15 wins — and Klassen finished the season in the minors. He started to wonder if his NHL career was over.
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(Photo: Dennis Brodeur / Getty Images)
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1979 EXPANSION DRAFT
Thankfully, the Colorado Rockies left Ralph Klassen unprotected in the 1979 expansion draft. Within a 2 day period, Klassen was selected by the Hartford Whalers, traded to the New York Islanders, and then dealt to the St. Louis Blues. For the first time ever, Klassen would be part of a winning NHL team.
Promotional Badge for the Colorado Rockies
(Image Source: Ebay online link)
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AN AVALANCHE OF LUCK
In 1982, the Colorado Rockies eventually moved the franchise and became the New Jersey Devils. But in the 1995-96 season — the NHL, Joe Sakic, and the Stanley Cup dramatically stormed into Colorado. Since then, the Colorado Avalanche have won 3 Stanley Cups and have been a hugely successful NHL franchise.
(NHL on Twitter)
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SOURCES
Top Quote 5
Fred Shero, Philadelphia Flyers’ Coach
“Rockies forced into sudden death to win”
Pottsville Republican Newspaper
Story by Ralph Bernstein / Apr 12, 1978
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ROCKIES
Use of links, products, or logos are for informational and descriptive purposes only and do not constitute sponsorship or endorsement.
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Rockies related Books
Rocky Hockey: The Short but Wild Ride of the NHL’s Colorado Rockies
Book by Greg Enright / Independently Published / March 13, 2023
“Chapter 3: The Highest Peak” includes the era when Ralph Klassen played for the Rockies and they made the 1978 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
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Rockies related Internet Articles
Who Knew? Turns out Colorado was the birthplace of The Wave’
The Hockey News / Joshua Kloke / March 28, 2015
“‘The normally summertime tradition of The Wave debuted in an unlikely and sparsely attended place – at the McNichols Sports Arena in Denver Nov. 15, 1979.”
On this day in sports: Colorado Rockies play last NHL game
9NEWS / KUSA Sports / Apr 3, 2020
“The Colorado Rockies NHL team played their last game on April 3, 1982.”
A look back at pro hockey in Denver, including the city’s first NHL team – the Colorado Rockies
Denver7 / Landon Haaf / June 17, 2022
“The evolution of hockey fandom in the Mile High City is a much longer story than the relocation of Quebec’s Nordiques to Colorado.”
Colorado Rockies – The 10 Best to Wear the Jersey
The Hockey Writers / Nathaniel Oliver / Feb 13, 2023
The ten best players in franchise history of the Colorado Rockies are identified and discussed.
Fun While It Lasted / NHL Colorado Rockies
An overview of the NHL franchise’s information
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Rockies related Blogs & Social Media
NHL Colorado Rockies Facebook Page
A place for fans to share photos, videos, or old memories.
NHL Colorado Rockies Twitter Page
Celebrating the Colorado Rockies, Denver’s original NHL team, 1976-1982. Account is moderated by Greg Enright who is the author “Rocky Hockey.”
Ralph Klassen Profile Page
The Devil’s Pitchfork / Erik Carlson
Fan blog on the history and pre-history of the New Jersey Devils franchise
Wikipedia / Colorado Rockies (NHL)
General Information about the defunct NHL franchise
Colorado Rockies Alumni Players
Twitter / Colorado Avalanche / Oct 24, 2015
“We hosted former members of the old Colorado Rockies hockey team tonight.”
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Colorado’s 1st Franchise Playoff Goal
Twitter / Pro Hockey Alumni / Apr 14, 2019
Denis Dupere scored Colorado’s 1st playoff goal and passed away on Apr 13, 2019
Doug Favell Mask Information
Twitter / The Hockey Samurai / Apr 5, 2021
“Doug Favell was the 1st NHL goalie to paint his mask, while with the Philadelphia Flyers in 1970.”
Barry Beck Rookie Card & Information
Twitter / Vintage Hockey Showcase / Feb 24, 2023
Barry Beck passes Denis Potvin for most goals by a rookie defenseman.
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Rockies related YouTube Videos
Colorado Rockies at St Louis Blues / 1978 02 25
YouTube Video / Published Jan 23, 2020
Rockies squeak out a precious point to help qualify for the playoffs
Flyers vs. Colorado Rockies 1978
YouTube video / Published June 26, 2018
Ralph Klassen’s & Colorado Rockies’ First NHL Playoff Game vs Philadelphia Flyers
Rockies & Canadiens at the Montreal Forum (1978-79)
YouTube video / Published Jan 10, 2019
Zoom in of Ralph Klassen against Montreal Canadiens
The evolution of hockey fandom in Denver, including the city’s first NHL team – the Colorado Rockies
YouTube video / Denver7 / Published June 17, 2022
“The story of hockey in Denver is much longer than a franchise relocating from Quebec. We speak with Terry Frei, a longtime journalist and author who covered the first Denver NHL team – the Colorado Rockies – back in 1977.”
On this day in sports: Colorado Rockies play last NHL game
YouTube video / 9NEWS / Published Apr 3, 2020
“The Colorado Rockies NHL team played their last game on April 3, 1982.”
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Rockies related Podcasts
John Van Boxmeer: High Scoring D with Montreal, Buffalo and Colorado
The Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast with Mark Willand / Ep. #37 / June 7, 2019
“An outstanding 10-year NHL career as a high-scoring defenseman with the Habs, Colorado Rockies, Buffalo Sabres and Quebec Nordiques”
A Tribute to Mike Christie, Tough D for the Seals, Rockies, Barons and Canucks
The Pro Hockey Alumni Podcast with Mark Willand / Ep. #45 / Aug 3, 2019
“We hear tributes from four of Mike’s teammates: former NHLers Mike Lampman, George Pesut, Dave Gardner and Paul Gardner.”
Colorado “Rocky Hockey” – With Terry Frei
Good Seats Still Available with Tim Hanlon / Ep. 197 / Jan 11, 2021
“Frei helps us better understand the events, personalities and hijinks that comprised the six-year Denver incarnation of the former Kansas City Scouts and future New Jersey Devils franchise”
The NHL’s Colorado Rockies – With Greg Enright
Good Seats Still Available with Tim Hanlon / Ep. 302 / Apr 30, 2023
“Before moving to New Jersey to become the Devils in 1982, the NHL’s Colorado Rockies burned through 6 coaches, 4 owners & a litany relocation rumors over six tenuous seasons”
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Rockies Souvenirs
Use of links, products, or NHL logos are for informational and descriptive purposes only and do not constitute sponsorship or endorsement.
Royal Retros / Colorado Rockies Hockey Sweater
Custom NHL Jerseys with options for names and numbers.
Hockey Authentic / Colorado Rockies Hockey Sweater
Custom NHL Jerseys with options for names and numbers.
Boriz / Colorado Rockies Hockey Sweater
Custom NHL Jerseys with options for names and numbers.
yourgears / Colorado Rockies Hoodie
Custom NHL clothing with options for names and numbers
Hockey Hall of Fame / Colorado Rockies Hockey Puck
Souvenir Hockey Puck
Doug Favell’s 1977-78 Colorado Rockies Signed Game Jersey
Heritage Auctions / LOT #61 / June 17, 2020
“Splendid sweater from the defunct franchise”
Gary Croteau’s 1977-78 Colorado Rockies Game Jersey
Heritage Auctions / LOT #471 / Feb 17, 2004
“…great jersey from the ever popular defunct NHL franchise.”
Wilf Paiement’s 1978-79 Colorado Rockies Game Jersey
Heritage Auctions / LOT #784 / Feb 25, 2015
“The scrappy Wilf Paiement came to the Rockies in 1976-77, played three full seasons and then another a half year in Colorado in 1979-80 before he was dealt mid-season to the Leafs”
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