Hockey Mountain High has learned that the Rookie Faceoff is coming back to Denver. To be more specific, it will come to Littleton in the metro area. In previous years, one team has hosted the tournament. That will not be the case this season. Two teams will have the honor this summer.
The Colorado Avalanche and the Anaheim Ducks. The Ducks will host the Los Angeles Kings and San Jose Sharks in Irvine, California. Colorado will host the Vegas Golden Knights and the Utah Hockey Club at the South Suburban Sports Complex in Littleton off of East County Line Road and South Holly Street.
It is the first time that the Avalanche has hosted the event since the inaugural 2016 tournament in Westminster, Colorado. They held it at the Ice Centre At the Promenade that year. Many fans will remember that Mikko Rantanen suffered a severe ankle sprain in one game, making him miss training camp and several games to start the season.
The Facility
The Sports Complex is a newer facility to the hockey community of Denver. It opened in 2021 and includes three NHL-size ice sheets. Rink two of the complex includes a large seating area for fans to view the game in the stands and at a full-service bar. The site also includes two gyms for basketball and other sports and two synthetic turf fields.
The view from the stands of Rink #2 at the South Suburban Sports complex. (Photo courtesy of Brennan Vogt)
When It Takes Place
Hockey Mountain High has confirmed through the facility’s website that the event will take place September 12-14. All three games (as of right now) will take place on Rink #2, which has the largest capacity for seating. Compared to the Family Sports Center (where the Avalanche currently practice), parking will be less of an issue. The Sports Complex’s design prioritized larger crowds for one rink, so seating will not be as much an issue.
View of the stands from ice level of Rink #2 at South Suburban Sports Complex. (Photo courtesy of Brennan Vogt)
By knowing the dates for the Rookie Faceoff, we can also estimate when the Avalanche’s training camp will start. Based on previous years, training camp has always been the following weekend. With that being said, training camp could start around September 18 or 19.
We know it is a little early to get excited about next season, but seeing some prospects play is always a treat. If we find out anymore details, we will certainly update you with them, so stayed tuned!
