Chambers: Time to support Avalanche broadcaster Peter McNab in his time of need – The Denver Post

Avalanche color analyst Peter McNab is a selfless individual. He seems to deeply concern himself with others in need, perhaps more than his own welfare at times.

It’s time the Colorado hockey community stands up for the University of Denver alum and 2021 U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame inductee who is battling cancer.

Peter, you had an exceptional 954-game NHL career, with 363 goals and 813 points. You’ve been with the Avalanche television network from the beginning, a Hall of Fame broadcaster.

But what you’ve accomplished outside the rink — away from the public eye — is even more impressive.

Since Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation was founded in 2011 to help a teammate and cancer victim in need, McNab has been a major proponent of the non-profit organization that has raised and donated nearly $2 million of financial need to Front Range hockey families suffering in times of crisis.

At the annual fundraising golf tournament at Red Rocks or Highlands Ranch, Peter was there to meet and greet and tell stories. A VIP to speak at a check presentation?  Peter was the man. A voice to promote Dawg Nation’s proposed one-of-a-kind hockey facility for the disabled community in Castle Pines, Peter was quick to volunteer.

“Peter McNab has been an integral part of Dawg Nation from the very beginning,” Martin Richardson, CEO of Dawg Nation, told The Post. “Always incredibly generous with his time and kindness and always thinking of others first. Now is the time we reverse the roles and support this tremendous friend in his time of need.”

I, too, have been a proponent of Dawg Nation from the beginning. I’ve attended many events and seen many tears from the appreciative recipients and their families. But I’ve never seen a person become as emotionally involved in Dawg Nation as McNab.

He has a soft spot for giving to those in need.

“Over time I have seen so many family and friends work, battle, and fight cancer,” McNab said in a release. “Their courage has been remarkable. Well, now it’s my time. I have cancer and it’s my turn to battle. The prognosis has been wonderfully positive. Never have great friends and support been so important. I am truly a lucky man.”

McNab might feel lucky but he deserves what he feels.

Burgundy-and-blue bullies. The Avalanche and Minnesota Wild combined for 66 penalty minutes in Thursday’s chippy preseason game at Ball Arena, where Colorado scored three third-period goals in a 6-4 victory. The game featured the debut of new Avalanche defenseman Kurtis MacDermid, a feared heavyweight enforcer who stands 6-foot-5, 235 pounds.

Avs captain Gabe Landeskog and linemate Nazem Kadri received 10-minute misconduct penalties along with Minnesota’s Ryan Hartman, and Avs defenseman Dennis Gilbert — who paired with MacDermid at even-strength — fought forward Brandon Duhaime after an incident in front of new Avs goalie Darcy Kuemper.

Landeskog took issue with Hartman’s check-from-behind on Kadri and the friction didn’t end until Landeskog’s hooking minor on Hartman at the final buzzer. MacDermid, the unofficial policeman, didn’t have to participate in the chippiness but undoubtedly served as a deterrent and sponsor.

Colorado played old-school — a brand I expect will continue throughout the regular season with MacDermid in the lineup. The highly skilled and high-flying Avs are tired of being pushed around, and MacDermid’s presence is bound to make Colorado a tougher, more confident team.

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