The Colorado Avalanche and the Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation are teaming up to do something truly special at Thursday night’s home game for a former Scottish soldier named Andy Barnard who has a deep and heartbreaking connection to the Avalanche.
In 2008, while serving in the British Army in Afghanistan, Barnard became close friends with a U.S. Marine from Loveland, CO named Isaac Palomarez – who would change Barnard’s life forever. During their downtime, Palomarez educated Barnard about the game of hockey and shared his passion for the sport and the Avalanche. When the two parted ways, Palomarez gave Barnard his beloved Joe Sakic jersey under the condition that Barnard would visit Denver in the future and the two would attend an Avalanche game at the Pepsi Center together. Tragically, Palomarez was killed in an IED attack about one month later.
Several years later, Barnard is holding up his side of the pact. The 26-year-old arrived in Denver on Tuesday and will be in attendance for Thursday night’s game. Barnard doesn’t know it yet, but the Avalanche are going to honor him as the “Hero of the Game” on Thursday. In addition, Palomarez’ parents – who Barnard has never met – will be surprising Barnard by sitting next to him at the game. (Don’t worry. I have been assured he will not see this before the game.)
Barnard plans to catch a few Avalanche games during his time in Denver, which would have never been possible without the Dawg Nation Hockey Foundation. The veteran will be staying in the homes of Dawg Nation players during his stay and they have lots planned for what will be a memorable trip.
Sadly, the cherished Sakic jersey did not make the trip as it was stolen from Barnard’s yard while it was hanging out to dry. The good people at Dawg Nation – led by President Martin Richardson – decided to step up and replace the stolen symbol of friendship. There was one difference, this time Barnard asked for his favorite player – Matt Duchene.
Avalanche executive vice president and general manager Joe Sakic got wind of the story as well. The former Avalanche captain plans to surprise Barnard and present him with an autographed jersey on Thursday night.
Richardson started the Dawgs Nation Hockey Foundation in 2011. Since then, the foundation has generated over $500,000 for families and individuals in need in and around Denver’s hockey community. In 2012, Richardson was honored with the Channel 7 Everyday Hero award. In 2014, he was named the Colorado Rapids Community MVP.
“Dawg Nation is an organization committed to serving the local hockey community,” The foundation’s mission statement says. “We identify individuals and families in need, and strive to provide relief through difficult times.”