Younger hockey fans know Peter McNab as the voice behind the microphone for the Colorado Avalanche, beginning the inaugural season of the Avs in 1995 or the face of Avs hockey on Altitude TV. Grizzled hockey fan vets, though, will remember McNab in Crimson and Gold for three seasons 1970-73 (78G, 92A in 105 games) and his 14-year NHL career with four different franchises, Buffalo, Boston, Vancouver, and New Jersey. Thursday evening, McNab was inducted into the US Hockey Hall of Fame. Unfortunately, the DU star and local hockey icon could not make the induction ceremony at the Marriott Denver Tech Center due to his cancer diagnosis and treatment. His brother David accepted the award on his behalf.

The Canadian-born, San Diego-raised McNab was offered a half scholarship for both baseball/hockey by DU’s legendary head coach Murray Armstrong. He was named to the All-WCHA First Team and the All-NCAA Tournament Team in 1973. Denver lost to Wisconsin in the National Championship game that year but had to vacate their finish due to NCAA violations stemming from a case spearheaded by the University of Minnesota.

McNab went on to a decorated NHL career. McNab had seven consecutive campaigns with 70 or more points (including four with 80-plus) and six straight with 35-plus goals, helping his teams to the postseason 10 times. He also reached the Stanley Cup Final in three times in four seasons from 1974-78.

College hockey was well represented at the US Hockey Hall of Fame event with the 2020-2021 induction of Dean Blais (North Dakota/Omaha), Jerry York (Boston College), and Tony Granato (Wisconsin).

Altitude Sports announced at the end of September that Peter McNab has been diagnosed with cancer and is currently receiving treatment. “Peter made it clear to us that he wanted to share his diagnosis with our fans, and we want to support that decision,” said Matt Hutchings KSE COO. “He believes that in doing so, he might be able to help those in similar battles, who might otherwise feel alone.”

Photo courtesy of NHL.com