He scored three goals last night, making it the first hat trick during a home-opener since 2007, and was his first game in an Avalanche uniform. His on ice performance had my bother and I questioning, (like the old lady in “Who is Harry Crumb”)* “Who is that man?” Colborne. Joe Colborne. Since it looks like he will be a large presence on the ice, I figure we better get to know Colborne a little bit more.
Colborne during his sophomore year at DU
Last night’s game wasn’t the forward's first time playing for fans in the Mile High City. Colborne played two years for the University of Denver after being the 16th overall draft pick in 2008 by the Boston Bruins. Colborne played his freshman and sophomore year for the Pioneers, where he led the team in goals during his second season.
Colborne joined the Bruins’ AHL affiliate team, the Providence, after two years at DU in 2010. Never dressing for the Bruins in a regular season game, he was traded to the Toronto Maple Leaves in 2011. After playing for Toronto’s affiliate team, the Toronto Marlies, Colborne was recalled to play in the final game of the season, where he got his first NHL point. It was on the only goal Toronto had in the game.
Prior to the start of the 2013-14 Season, Colborne was traded back to his hometown team, the Calgary Flames, and it would be his first full NHL season. In Colborne’s first two years as a Flame he had 28-point seasons, and last year had a career high 19-goal, 44-point season. However as a restricted free agent, he was not offered a qualifying offer. Enter the Colorado Avalanche.
On July 1st, the Colorado Avalanche signed the 26-year-old to a two year $5 million deal. After his hat trick performance last night, Colborne said “The three goals are probably the way I’m going to score most of them. And ah, I’m just fine with that”. And ah, I sure do love those Canadian comments. Colborne’s goals may not be making the highlight reels, but the hunger in front of the net, along with the grit and determination is something that the Avalanche need. I don’t care how the puck crosses the line: a goal is a goal.
After doing my background on Colborne, I now feel like I can officially adopt the nickname my brother came up for him at the game, Jo Co. I know I am looking forward to seeing what else #8 might have in store for us this season.
For those of you who might have wondered, it was another fellow Pioneer who scored the Avs’ last home-opening hat trick, Paul Stastny. It is a good day to be a Denver fan, assuming the Bronco's are taking this Sunday to get it to get their s*** together.
*If you aren't familiar with "Who is Harry Crumb?", and are an 80's comedy aficionado like myself, I highly recommend it.