The Colorado Rockies history traces the journey of the Colorado Rockies hockey franchise from its 1976 debut to its transformation into the New Jersey Devils. Originally an NHL team based in Denver, the Rockies built a passionate fan base despite on-ice struggles, leaving a lasting legacy in Colorado hockey before their move to New Jersey.
Established
1974
City
Kansas City – Denver – New Jersey
League History
1974 – Present / National Hockey League
Team History
1982 – Present / New Jersey Devils
1976 – 1982 / Colorado Rockies
1974 – 1976 / Kansas City Scouts
Nickname
Rockies – The Colorado Rockies hockey team of the National Hockey League (NHL) has been a beloved part of the state’s sports history since 1976. The team was established as an expansion franchise and quickly became known for its exciting offensive style and tenacious defense. But what many fans may not know is that their beloved nickname has some exciting origins!
Colorado Rockies Origin
The name “Rockies” was chosen to honor the majestic Rocky Mountains, which are located in Colorado, but there is also another reason behind it. In 1976, when Denver joined Major League Baseball with its professional baseball team—the Colorado Rockies—it seemed only natural to extend this same moniker to our NHL squad too! This way, we could celebrate both teams simultaneously while still having a unique identity within professional sports leagues across North America.
In addition to honoring two great teams from one state, there's another fun fact about how “Rockies” came into being: it was initially suggested by then-owner Jack Vickers himself! He wanted something catchy and memorable that would represent his new venture in Denver; thus, he proposed "Colorado Rockies" as the official name for his NHL club back in 1982 ––and here we are today, enjoying their success over 40 years later!
It's clear why so many people have grown fond of this classic nickname throughout these past four decades: it speaks volumes about where they come from and celebrates both franchises proudly representing our beautiful home state of Colorado ––the land of mountains high enough you can touch heaven itself if you try hard enough… Go ROCKIES!!!
Championship
Stanley Cups 0
2003, 2000, 1995
Arena
2007 – Present / Prudential Center
1982 – 2007 / Continental Airlines Arena
*Denver*
1976 – 1982 / McNichols Sports Arena
*Kansas City*
1974 – 1976 / Kemper Arena
Owner
2013 – Present / New Jersey Devils, LLC
2004 – 2013 / Jeffrey Vanderbeek
2000 – 2004 / YankeeNets
1982 – 2000 / John McMullen
1976 – 1982 / Jack Vickers
1974 – 1976 / Edwin G. Thompson
- 1976
Move to Colorado
The Scouts suffered from inflated player costs, undercapitalized ownership, an economic downturn in the Midwest, poor performance on the ice, and poor attendance. The Scouts drew an average of just 8,218 fans during their two years in 17,000-seat Kemper Arena (at a time when the league average was approximately 13,000). The team’s 37 owners, buried in debt, mounted a season-ticket ...
To qualify as the greatest player for this team, the player must have played one season for this team. If not, we will remove the player.
* verifies that player has played for this team as an added player by a fan.
Colorado Rockies History
The Colorado Rockies history reflects one of the most interesting transitions in the NHL. The Colorado Rockies hockey team was founded in 1976 after the relocation of the Kansas City Scouts and played in Denver until 1982. They were members of the NHL’s Smythe Division and played their home games at McNichols Sports Arena. The Colorado Rockies hockey franchise developed rivalries with teams like the St. Louis Blues and the Chicago Blackhawks, while still maintaining ties to their past as the Kansas City Scouts.
During their short stay in Denver, the Colorado Rockies hockey club made the playoffs once, in the 1977–78 season, under coach Pat Kelly but were eliminated in the first round by the Philadelphia Flyers. Despite on-ice struggles, the team built a loyal local following and showcased notable players such as Lanny McDonald, Wilf Paiement, and Barry Beck, who became fan favorites and key contributors.
Financial difficulties and ownership instability plagued the Colorado Rockies history. By 1982, owner Arthur Imperatore moved the franchise to East Rutherford, New Jersey, where it was renamed the New Jersey Devils. This marked the end of the Colorado Rockies hockey era but laid the foundation for the Devils’ eventual success in the NHL.
Rockies Achievements
Although the Colorado Rockies hockey franchise had limited on-ice success in Denver, it provided the springboard for the New Jersey Devils’ later dominance, which included three Stanley Cup championships (1995, 2000, and 2003). The Colorado Rockies history is still celebrated by longtime fans in Colorado for introducing NHL hockey to Denver, setting the stage for the arrival of the Colorado Avalanche in 1995, who have since won multiple Stanley Cups and carried on the state’s hockey tradition.
The Colorado Rockies hockey legacy lives on through throwback merchandise, alumni events, and the continued passion of fans who remember the team’s six-year run in Denver. Despite its brief existence, the Colorado Rockies history remains a crucial chapter in NHL expansion and relocation, linking the past of the Kansas City Scouts and the present of the New Jersey Devils.
Retired Number
3 / Ken Daneyko
4 / Scott Stevens
26 / Patrik Elias
27 / Scott Niedermayer
30 / Martin Brodeur
99 / Wayne Gretzky
*Blue is this team’s history