Eurolanche

Final summary of the Invasion IV

Fanclub Eurolanche was established in 2007 and has organized four trips its members to Denver, Colorado, USA. The last event was the most successful from all three previous. In spite of only three members participated – me from Slovakia, Matej from Czech Republic and Norbert from Austria – it was the best of the best what Eurolanche has did. First plans on this trip appeared one year ago when it looked like the record number of fans would travel to the States. Unfortunately, it did not happen, but it has not get quality down.

The most important part of ever Invasion is a co-operation with the organization of the Colorado Avalanche. We got free tickets on each game and VIP passes for meetings with players after games too this time. The communication with the staff of the team was very good and I do not see any barriers in continue of it now. I guess it will go only better. We would like to bring concrete results in this year. You will be informed about everything.

We visited six Avalanche home games, watched one road game in the pub and visited two practices in the Family Sports Center. It was the great opportunity to show flags of our nations and also Eurolanche flag to all players. They immediately noticed it on practices and the relation with them would get better. Each player got the information plastic card where he could read all important about Eurolanche. Thanks to this step more players were friendly and talk active. We did not have any problem with them. Jan Hejda was really surprise for us. He met with us for a short lunch and was really interesting in our fanclub. We are going to prepare exclusive co-operation with him and also try to organize summer meeting. Milan Hejduk would join us too.

I and Norbert have been in Denver for the third time. We really could not talk about the stereotype. The whole atmosphere is unbelievable. It is also nice to know different culture, sit in the pub and watch hockey or just walking in the city… After all, the big thank you belongs to our US friend who helped us a lot during the Invasion IV.

Why was this Invasion the best of the best?
- better schedule (trips, more walking etc.)
- co-operation with the team and five home wins
- better communication with players
- the big propagation of the fanclub
- better coverage at our website
- reputation of the Eurolanche from previous trips, better relations with fans, players, media
- the great atmosphere

Everything has two sides. There are several unfilled goals. Firstly, there was no interview with us in the US media for the first time in the history. Altitude TV had not free broadcasting time on it due schedule changes and other TV focused on Denver Broncos. But we appeared on the blog of Adrian Dater and maybe Marc Moser, radio announcer, mentioned us. Secondly, I failed to get credential for journalist in spite of holding the official journalistic ID. I also work for the biggest newspaper in Slovakia, so there could not be a legal reason for refusing. Thirdly is the lower participation of members.

Eurolanche Invasion V will be. Now we can talk about years 2013 and 2014. The next season is less likely. All important things and FAQ about Invasion IV are in this article. What would be the next schedule of the trip?
- Avalanche games and practices
- more trips in the city and the state
- longer trips over the USA (depends on agreement between members)
- credential on games
- meeting with players after the game and on day-offs
- report about the trip in local media
- more and more you could not imagine now

Eurolanche Invasion IV is unforgettable. It brought great schedule, new friends and fanclub went higher again. It is also an evidence of our unique. I have never seen any other European fanclub of other NHL teams on the web. Thanks to all members who work for us voluntary. We will continue in our work!

Ten different members participated in four Invasions and saw 21 Avalanche home games with the record 16-5.

You can find all photos, videos, diaries, complete schedule, photo of the day and more in this article.

TOP 10 PHOTOS.