Avalanche’s Ray Bourque wins first Stanley Cup | June 9, 2001 | Colorado’s Top 150 Sports Moments

By Chris Schmaedeke July 21, 2026 | updated 4 hours ago

Colorado Avalanche defensemen Ray Bourque celebrates with the the Stanley Cup in Denver on Saturday, June 9, 2001. The Avalanche beat the Devils 3-1 in game seven to capture the cup. (AP Photo/David Zalubowski)

Happy birthday, Colorado — and Colorado sports.

Leading into the state’s 150th birthday Aug. 1, The Denver Gazette has partnered with the Colorado Sports Hall of Fame to publicize the definitive list of Colorado’s top 150 sports moments.

For Nos. 50 to 1, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame historian Dave Plati coordinated a 19-member committee to rank in order what they considered the top moments. The No. 1 moment will be revealed July 31. Plati and Broncos icon Jim Saccomano will unveil the list weekly on a Colorado Sports Hall of Fame podcast at coloradosports.org/podcast/.

Colorado's Top 150 Sports Moments — Colorado Sports Hall of Fame Top 150 Sports Moments

No. 9 — June 9, 2001

Alex Tanguay scored twice and captain Joe Sakic once to lead the Avalanche to a 3-1 win over the New Jersey Devils in game seven of the Stanley Cup finals. Patrick Roy, who won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the MVP of the playoffs, made 25 saves and the win gave longtime NHL veteran Ray Bourque his long-awaited Cup in his 22nd and final season in the league; he lifted the Cup second after being handed to him from Sakic. Tanguay scored the Avs’ first two goals and assisted on their third.

— Dave Plati, Colorado Sports Hall of Fame historian

Chris Schmaedeke

Reporter