The Colorado Avalanche will host the Rookie Showcase for the first time since 2016 starting on Friday night. The tournament will take place at the South Suburban Sports Complex in Highlands Ranch, Colorado. Fans can probably expect a full house on Rink #2, which will host all the games and has the largest seating capacity. There are going to be several things to watch for with the event, things like players and a new coach to monitor during the games. Here is what to expect if you attend both, if not all, the games for the event this coming weekend.

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Numerical

Alphabetical

Coaching debut

In the past, the AHL affiliate head coach has always been behind the bench for these events. Aaron Schneekloth was there for the last two years, and Greg Cronin before him. This weekend will mark the first time that Avalanche and Colorado Eagles’ fans will see new head coach Mark Letestu. On July 5, 2025, the Eagles hired the former NHL forward as their head coach, and he will replace Schneekloth, who is departing for Seattle.

Letestu

Oct 12, 2019; Chicago, IL, USA; Winnipeg Jets center Mark Letestu (22) takes the ice to warm-up before the game against the Chicago Blackhawks at United Center. Mandatory Credit: Mike DiNovo-USA TODAY Sports

A chance to see talent

This is sometimes one of the few chances that fans will get to talent for… well, years. Christian Humphreys, whom the Avalanche drafted last summer in the seventh round, will play. Last season he started at the University of Michigan and jumped over to the Kitchener Rangers of the OHL. He intends to play for the Rangers again this season. Saige Weinstein will be on the roster, and signed a contract two years ago. He has been playing in the WHL and will probably play with the Eagles or the Utah Grizzlies this season. After missing the entire season because of an injury, Sean Behrens will make his return to the lineup, looking for a way to impress the coaches.

Goalie tandem

Isak Posch, who signed as a free agent in March of this year, is the only contracted goalie on the roster. Posch will probably get one game while the other two will split the second. Jayden Kraus and Mathis Langevin are both camp invites and played in the CHL last season. Both are intending to play there this upcoming season.

The facility

South Suburban Sports Complex is a newer facility opened in 2021 that includes two synthetic turf fields, two gyms, and three ice rinks. The facility replaced the 50-year-old South Suburban Ice Rink. Although it has a very large parking area, fans should carpool and arrive early to secure their spots. All seating at Rink #2 will be general admission.

The Rookie Showcase is not the official start to the season like Training Camp the following week. For some fans, it scratches the itch that they have had for two or three months for some live hockey. And for fans of the prospects, it is a great opportunity to see the players in a game instead of doing drills.