Wednesday night's game between the Colorado Avalanche and Buffalo Sabers had a special flavor for Erik Johnson, who made his highly anticipated return to Ball Arena.
During his 13.5 seasons with the Avs, the American defender became a fan favorite. Known as an excellent teammate, the 35-year-old veteran was well-respected in and outside the locker room, and his departure to the Sabers on July 1 concluded a very beautiful chapter in his life.
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In the days leading up to that meeting, Johnson appeared emotional in front of the media. On Wednesday morning, he had trouble finishing his sentences because he was so overwhelmed with emotion.
“Coming back here to see my best friends…This organization and this city have been so good to me. It will be difficult,” he said.
During a break in play, the Colorado organization broadcast a beautiful video honoring the man who won the Stanley Cup with the team in 2022. The Avalanche then reserved a spotlight for him as Johnson took a lap around the ice as the crowd chanted “EJ! EJ! EJ!” for 45 seconds.
Watch the video above.
“I am very grateful for the time I spent here, almost 15 years. So many things went well and led to our cup win. I was really happy to be there with the fans. […] It’s very special to be here again, it’s the time of your life,” he told Altitude TV during the first break.
For many, however, the presence of Gabriel Landeskog was the most touching moment. Accompanied by his daughter, the Avalanche captain, who did not play last season, displayed a poster on the big screen that read: “Bad sweater, but we still love you, Uncle EJ.”
“Gabe is one of my best friends. I hope he comes back. I know he will work as hard as he can to achieve this goal,” Johnson said before the game.
This duel ultimately ended with a 5-1 win for the Avalanche.