Jared Bednar Delivers Emotional Farewell Message to Avalanche Fans: “To the Incredible…”
Peering out across the sea of burgundy and blue, Jared Bednar took a long breath, his eyes glistening under the lights of Ball Arena. The building was silent, every fan in attendance hanging on his every word. After nearly a decade behind the bench, the Colorado Avalanche head coach, who guided the team to a Stanley Cup and forged a legacy of resilience and unity, was stepping away. This was his moment to say goodbye.
“To the incredible Avalanche faithful,” he began, voice unsteady but clear, “I don’t really know how to put into words what this journey has meant to me.”
The crowd stirred, and a few audible sobs came from the front rows. Bednar paused, his hand instinctively gripping the edge of the podium.
“When I first walked into this organization back in 2016, I wasn’t sure what to expect. We were coming off a 48-point season. The culture was fractured, the future uncertain. And to be honest, there were probably more questions about me than answers. A guy with no NHL head coaching experience… I know some of you wondered who the hell I was,” he chuckled softly, shaking his head. “I wondered the same thing.”
Laughter rippled through the stands, easing the tension in the air.
“But what I found,” he continued, “was a group of young men hungry to prove themselves. I found leaders in the making. I found a front office that believed in building from within, and a fanbase that—no matter how cold the winter, how long the odds—showed up.”
He glanced toward the rafters, his eyes lingering on the 2022 Stanley Cup championship banner.
“That Cup we won together… it wasn’t just a trophy. It was a culmination. It was sacrifice, heartbreak, growth. It was Cale flying down the ice like he’s got rocket fuel in his skates. It was Nate being the heartbeat of this team, pushing everyone—coaches included—to be better. It was Mikko’s quiet brilliance, Gabe’s steady presence. It was every guy in that locker room buying in, day after day.”
His voice cracked slightly, and he took a sip of water before continuing.
“But even more than that championship, what I’ll remember are the moments in between. The overtime thrillers, the plane rides after comeback wins, the locker room roars, the quiet conversations with players after tough losses. Watching rookies become leaders. Watching this city—this amazing city—rally behind us.”
He paused again, gathering himself.
“There’s nothing like walking down Blake Street and hearing someone yell, ‘Go Avs Go!’ from a passing car. There’s nothing like hearing this building shake when Landy buries a game-winner. There’s nothing like Denver in April, when the snow melts, and the playoffs begin.”
The crowd roared in agreement, some fans waving jerseys in the air, others dabbing their eyes.
“I’m stepping away because I know the time is right,” Bednar said softly. “This team has a future as bright as any in the league. And while I may not be the one behind the bench anymore, I’ll always be watching, always cheering, always proud.”
He looked around the arena, taking it all in—the banners, the fans, the memories embedded in the walls.
“I owe so much to this organization. Joe Sakic—thank you for believing in me when few did. Chris MacFarland—thank you for your partnership, your trust, and your unshakable belief in this team’s identity. To every player I’ve coached—thank you for letting me in. For fighting through the hard practices, for never backing down. You’ve made me a better coach and a better man.”
He then turned his attention to the fans once more.
“To you, the Avalanche fans—you are the soul of this team. Through the highs and lows, through injuries and heartbreaks, you never wavered. I’ve felt your love and your support in ways I’ll never forget. You made me feel at home here.”
Another long pause. He blinked back tears.
“I came here as a coach. I leave here as a proud piece of Avalanche history. But more than that—I leave as part of a family. A Coloradoan, forever.”
The audience erupted in applause, the emotional weight of the moment etched into every face. Some fans held up signs: “Thank You, Coach Bednar” and “Once an Av, Always an Av.”
The team had prepared a tribute video. As Bednar stepped aside, the big screen lit up with a montage of his tenure—his first press conference, the 2022 Stanley Cup celebration, locker room hugs, iconic bench reactions, and glimpses of players speaking about his impact.
In one clip, Nathan MacKinnon’s voice came through:
> “He never gave up on us. He made us believe, night after night. Bedsy isn’t just a coach—he’s a mentor, a warrior, and someone we all owe a hell of a lot to.”
In another, Gabriel Landeskog added:
> “Jared’s presence was steady, no matter the storm. He led with integrity and heart. We were lucky to have him.”
As the video ended, Bednar stood once more, wiping his eyes. The entire team, coaching staff, and alumni had gathered at center ice. Joe Sakic handed him a custom jersey with the number of his wins—“363”—stitched on the back, above the name “Bednar.”
“Thank you,” Jared said, holding the jersey high. “I love you all. And I’ll never stop being proud to be part of Avalanche Nation.”
As he walked off the ice for the final time, a standing ovation echoed through Ball Arena. The moment was etched into the heart of Colorado forever.
And somewhere, in the stillness of that emotional goodbye, a new era was just beginning
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