One of Ball Arena's fan favorites, J.T. Compher returns to his former home for the first time since he joined the Detroit Red Wings this past offseason.
The Avalanche are looking to even the score after losing to the Detroit Red Wings at Little Caesars Arena 1-2 in overtime on Feb. 22. It is former Avs forward J.T. Compher's first time playing at Ball Arena since he signed with the Wings in the offseason.
The 28-year-old Northbrook, Illinois native said he's excited to be back but knows the energy the crowd brings to make it a difficult building to play.
"These fans bring it, and it's a testament to the team that was built and how excited the fans have become about the product on the ice and the teams that have been throughout the years," Compher said. "It's going to be a great challenge. It's a game that we're excited for. We've done pretty good on the road, we embrace these challenges and we'll be excited for tonight."
Mikko Rantanen said the two are still great friends and have kept in touch as much as they can, but knows it will be tough for him being back at Ball Arena.
"It's going to be nice, you know, he's a great friend of mine and fun to share all those years with him and obviously win the Cup with him. So brother for life, if I would say that, so, good to see him back and maybe get a nice video for him," Rantanen said.
Compher developed quite a bit while he was in burgundy and blue and head coach Jared Bednar commended his dedication and effort to become the player he is today.
"I think that he put in the work to become a great everyday NHL player — well-rounded player," Bednar said. "We asked him to do a lot, like he was basically our Swiss Army knife for at least a handful of years. Young player comes in, good offensive ability, great skater — gets tougher and tougher every level you go up to be able to put the puck in the back of the net and help produce on a nightly basis. So he found other areas of his game that he strengthened and we used him in all areas."
There will be a video tribute to Compher during the game but it will be all business between him and his former team.