The Avalanche took the ice on Thursday night for the first time since their legendary color analyst, Peter McNab, died on Sunday. McNab passed away after a courageous battle with cancer.

Colorado honored McNab before their game at Ball Arena with the Nashville Predators. The team had just returned from the NHL Global Series in Finland when McNab’s passing was announced. The travel overseas was the reason for the long break between games — and determined months ago when the schedule was announced.

The Avs remembered McNab with several nice touches, including flowers on press row, a video tribute and a “moment of appreciation” pregame.

Altitude TV also left McNab’s chair open, with play-by-play announcer Marc Moser calling the game solo. Moser said pregame that McNab’s “thoughts will be there for all you Avalanche fans… we’re hoping that his wit, knowledge and charm will come through in the broadcast this evening.”

Peter McNab’s spot in the broadcast booth will remain open tonight. There will be no analyst alongside Marc Moser 🤍 #goavsgo #9sports @Avalanche @AltitudeTV pic.twitter.com/gkL45v1bty

— Arielle Orsuto (@ArielleOrsuto) November 11, 2022

Every seat on press row tonight at Ball Arena honors Peter McNab, the #Avs longtime color analyst who passed away after a battle with cancer. RIP to a great man. pic.twitter.com/JnlRAPRs1z

— Kyle Fredrickson (@kylefredrickson) November 11, 2022

Really nice tributes to Peter McNab in the #Avs press box. pic.twitter.com/IpoqcOQjUS

— Peter Baugh (@Peter_Baugh) November 11, 2022

A special night of remembrance pic.twitter.com/Q84qS9gogr

— Darren McKee (@DMacRadio) November 11, 2022

Tribute to Peter McNab here pic.twitter.com/Y9BO0meP0V

— Adrian Dater (@adater) November 11, 2022

Peter McNab tribute part 1 pic.twitter.com/pyegYb2JcI

— Darren McKee (@DMacRadio) November 11, 2022

Peter McNab tribute Part 2 pic.twitter.com/zW8thdyYVK

— Darren McKee (@DMacRadio) November 11, 2022

A moment of appreciation, not silence, for our friend Peter McNab#goavsgo #9sports pic.twitter.com/HyVsyk4wEk

— Arielle Orsuto (@ArielleOrsuto) November 11, 2022

“Please join us for a moment of appreciation, not silence, for our friend Peter McNab.” ❤️#GoAvsGo pic.twitter.com/ijzsmk05nV

— Kelly Werthmann (@KellyCBS4) November 11, 2022

McNab had a long connection to the state of Colorado. In the early 1970s, he was an All-WCHA player at the University of Denver. Then, he returned to the state when the Avalanche moved to town from Quebec. McNab had been a fixture on the team’s television broadcasts since 1995, making this his 27th season behind the mic for Avs games. He was able to call a few games this year before his passing.

Broadcasting was the second career for McNab in hockey. He played 15 seasons in the NHL, donning sweaters for the Sabres, Bruins, Canucks and Devils.

Peter McNab was 70-years-old.

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