NHL Franchise Notes: Avalanche Will Auction Camouflage Jerseys To Benefit Troops

In Denver, Adrian Dater notes to "honor American troops, the Avalanche will give the camouflage jerseys off their backs in a special 'Military Appreciation Night' on Feb. 10 when they play" the Hurricanes. Players will wear "specially designed camouflage jerseys, with the Avalanche logo on them, during the warm-up before the game." After the warm-up, the jerseys "will be auctioned off through Feb. 24 on NHL.com." Proceeds will benefit Kroenke Sports Charities, which "includes charities for the military." The "Avs Better Halves -- wives and girlfriends of players -- also will wear signed camouflage T-shirts that night, then auction them off in the concourse during the game" (DENVER POST, 1/20).

LEAGUE HOLDING OUT HOPE FOR ISLES: NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman said it is the league's hope the Islanders will get a new arena “somewhere approximate to the fan base on Long Island.” Islanders Owner Charles Wang is “committed to the Islanders and Long Island," and he has been "extraordinarily frustrated in his efforts to get a new arena.” Bettman: "I believe that behind the scenes, at least the people in Nassau County are exploring the options again to see what’s available because it would be ridiculous if this team didn’t get a new arena.” Bettman said of Nassau Coliseum, “The team won’t and can’t stay in that building” (“The NHL Hour with Commissioner Gary Bettman,” NHL Radio, 1/19).

SABRE RATTLING: The GLOBE & MAIL's David Shoalts wrote the Sabres, who have a 19-23-5 record, "sure give the impression of a team in need of a shakeup." The "stagnation seems odd considering the joy professed by the players over [Owner Terry] Pegula’s injection of cash into the operation" (GLOBE & MAIL, 1/19).