Hockey is a sport for the passionate. The hockey fan is as rabid a follower of their team as any other sport and perhaps more so.
Such is the case of National Hockey League fans in Europe where supporters of the Colorado Avalanche are apparently legion.
The Eurolanche, as they refer to themselves, travel to Denver on a regular basis and this week will find the Avalanche supporters encamped in Denver for their favorites.
This week, 12 fans from five different countries including Austria, Czech Republic, Germany, Slovakia, and Switzerland will be stopping in Colorado for several games including the Stadium Series. 
This is the seventh pilgrimage the Eurolanche will make to Denver.
David Puchovsky founded Eurolanche in 2007.
“It was a very amateur website and project with no concrete goals,” Puchovsky says. “But seeing so many European fans of the Avs I decided to move to another level. Made our first trip to Denver in late 2008 and it was a key moment that has made us a unique fan project in the NHL.”
From that first trip, Eurolanche has seen steady growth in its numbers.
“As of today, there are 591 registered members from 38 countries worldwide. We have thousands supporters and followers at our social network channels,” Puchovsky told us.
As with any other supporter of any other franchise, it all started as a youth for Puchovsky.
“Speaking for myself, it was a coincidence. When I was 10, my childhood friend told me about an NHL team he knew, and it was Colorado Avalanche,” Puchovsky recalls. “I started to follow them, find out more info. It was in 2000 and they won the Cup months later.
“Finally, seven years later I founded Eurolanche for two purposes: unite all European Avalanche fans and offer them exclusive opportunities. “
The visit coincides with the Avs hosting the Stadium Series Outdoor game.
“Our schedule is very busy each year, but it seems it will be the busiest trip this time,” Puchovsky said. “We will arrive in Denver on Wednesday, then we have to make it to the game directly from the airport.
“The following days will be about Alumni Game and Stadium Series Game. We will be looking to meet the Alumni players somewhere. “
From Denver, the Eurolanche will move on to Las Vegas for three-day trip. On way back, they plan to visit some interesting places in southern Colorado.
“When we are back to Denver, there will left four Avs regular games to visit. Besides them, we plan many trips and activities like snowmobiling, Aspen, Glenwood Hot Springs and more.
You can visit the Eurolanche web site by clicking here.
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