Colorado Rockies (Devils) Team History
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 drive to raise more revenue. However, when only 2,000 people bought tickets, they concluded that the Scouts were not a viable venture and opted to sell. While the Capitals were far worse on the ice, their owner, Abe Pollin, was far better capitalized and had the patience to absorb the massive losses.
After just two seasons, the Scouts franchise was sold to a group headed by Jack Vickers, who moved the team to Denver and renamed it the Colorado Rockies.
The Scouts moved to Denver, Colorado in 1976 and became the Colorado Rockies. In 1982, they moved to East Rutherford, New Jersey and took their current name.
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 nickname “Rockies” alludes to the Rocky Mountains which cover much of the western half of Colorado.
Championship
Stanley Cups 0
2002 – 2003, 1999 – 2000, 1994 – 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 / Unknown
Retired Number
3 Ken Daneyko
4 Scott Stevens
27 Scott Niedermayer
30 Martin Brodeur
99 Wayne Gretzky
Mascot
1993 – Present / NJ Devil
*Blue is this team’s history