Matt Duchene Is an Avalanche

Matt Duchene couldn’t have written a better script when sitting in the Molson Centre stands on June 26 he heard his beloved Colorado Avalanche call his name as their third overall draft selection. Even though this 18 year-old grew up in Haliburton Ontario Duchene who just finished his second season with the Brampton Battalion (Ontario Hockey League) grew up a devoted Avalanche fan. Coming off a 79 point season Duchene who this spring proved to be clutch by scoring 26 points in 21 playoff games has given Avalanche fans something to be excited about in what has been a tough off season. Colorado, who had a forgettable season in finishing out of the playoffs with only 69 points, lost two key players in Ryan Smyth to a trade and captain Joe Sakic to retirement. Even though the Avalanche are realistically a long way from competing for a Stanley Cup Duchene who participated in the 2009 OHL All-Star Classic and the Top Prospects Game last year is just excited to be part of the organization. “It’s a dream come true,” said Duchene who in a poll of Eastern Conference OHL Coaches ranked number one as the best playmaker and best stick handler. “To be part of an NHL organization is something you always strive for as a kid. This is the first step, but I know I have a lot of work to do to reach my goal of playing in the NHL.” Compared by the scouts to his boyhood idol Sakic, Duchene who on Thursday signed a three- year entry- level contract put up some other impressive numbers last season in Brampton that included a +32 rating and 12 power play goals along with 4 short handed. Fans of the Avalanche should have lots of fun over the next few seasons in watching Duchene develop while wearing an Avalanche sweater. “Matt is an integral part of our future,” said Avalanche GM Greg Sherman. “He is very skilled, two-way player with a strong work ethic and great character. We’re excited to have him under contract and look forward to him participating in training camp this fall.”