DENVER (KDVR) — Longtime Altitude Sports Colorado Avalanche TV color analyst Peter McNab has died at the age of 70, the network reported.
McNab had been battling cancer over the last year and was in remission as of February this year. Altitude Sports did not provide any details of his passing but did say this in a tweet:
The Altitude and KSE family are saddened to announce the passing of our friend, Peter McNab. Our hearts go out to his family and friends, and the McNab family asks for privacy during this unimaginably difficult time.
Altitude Sports Network
McNab was a native of Vancouver, British Columbia and played college hockey at the University of Denver. His professional career included time with the Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins, Vancouver Canucks and ended with the New Jersey Devils.
McNab was inducted into the U.S. Hockey Hall of Fame in 2021.
Reactions to McNab’s passing
McNab’s colleagues, friends and Avs Faithful have posted sentiments via social media remembering what a wonderful man he was:
Marc Moser, play-by-play announcer and McNab’s partner on Altitude Sports: “As word emerges of the loss of my partner, our friend and an incredible man and father, please keep Peter’s wonderful family in your thoughts and prayers and remember him for outstanding family man, hockey player & broadcaster he was. I will be not be responding as we all mourn.”
“There is a rare human that comes around very infrequently. I’m sad for us who were his friends & loved him. I’m more sad for his family that loved him desperately. I’m sad for all people/hockey fans who never knew his brilliant life energy & hockey mind. My great friend.”
Kyle Keefe, Avalanche in-studio host on Altitude Sports: “My heart is broken. Love you Maxy.”
Peter Baugh, The Athletic: “This is devastating news. I’m eternally thankful for all the chats I had with Peter at the rink. What a kind, kind man. My heart is with his family. May his memory be a blessing.”
Drew Goodman, Colorado Rockies play-by-play analyst on At&T Sports Net: “Peter McNab was far more then an insightful and entertaining hockey analyst. He was a wonderful and caring friend, and terrific family man. For me, he is every bit as important as anyone when you recount the history of the @Avalanche since they arrived from Quebec. Rest easy Maxy”
Jesse Trujillo, radio broadcast engineer for Altitude Sports Radio: “One of the last times I got to work with Peter was winning the Stanley Cup and I’m forever happy to have this video to remember him by. Also sharing a big hug after the game! Maxy was the best!!”
Katie Gaus, Avalanche Altitude TV host/reporter: “I only had the pleasure of knowing Pete for a few months – but his impact was instant. I could see from day one what an amazing, kind, and genuine person he was. The way he treated people is a legacy we should all strive for. So lucky to know him. He will never be forgotten”
John Kelly, former Avs play-by-play announcer with McNab: “This is so heartbreaking to hear.I’ll never forget my 9 years in Denver as his broadcast partner. He was so good to me and our family. Condolences to Diana and their beautiful girls. #RestInPeace Maxy”
John Michael Liles, former Avs player and Altitude host: “Not a kinder person. He was a great man, who always looked out for me. He loved hockey as much as anyone I’ve ever met. RIP Maxy. You will be missed by all that had the pleasure of spending time with you my friend.”
Vic Lombardi, Altitude TV and radio: “This man taught the game of hockey to most of us in the Denver area. He did it for three decades. He loved the game more than anyone I know. Love ya, Maxy.”
“I will always remember Peter for his hockey notebook. He toted it everywhere he went. Stocked with random stats and information.”
Denver Hockey Twitter: “We’re heartbroken to learn of Peter’s passing, and the prayers of all Pioneer hockey are with his family, friends and colleagues in Colorado and across North America. We’re so proud to have Peter part of our Denver Hockey Family.”
Conor McGahey, Avs Altitude radio play-by-play announcer: “Thank you, Maxy. For everything. There could never be a better colleague, and more importantly, friend. I’ll miss you terribly.”
Lauren Gardner, a former Avalanche colleague at Altitude Sports: “Heartbroken by the news of the passing of one of the brightest, kindest and giving souls I’ve ever encountered. Words can’t express what Pete meant to our Avalanche family and the impact he made on me personally. Sending so much love to his family. May he RIP”
Stan and Josh Kroenke, Colorado Avalanche owners: “Peter’s passion for hockey was singular – as was his gift for celebrating what makes the sports so special.
We were blessed that, for 27 years, he was an integral and indispensable part of our organization.
His presence, insight and commitment to growing the sport made us all want to be greater stewards of hockey.
On behalf of the Colorado Avalanche, KSE, Altitude Sports and hockey fans across the world, we send our deepest condolences to the McNab family and all of Peter’s vast army of loved ones and friends.”
Joe Sakic, Avs president and former player: “The Avalanche organization is beyond sad to hear the news of Peter’s passing. Peter has been there for every season of the Avalanche’s existence and was the voice of the team through so many memorable years, including three Stanley Cup championships. He was a staple in the local hockey community, going back to his years playing at the University of Denver to working nearly 30 years with the Avs. But as good as a hockey man as he was, he will be most remembered for being a friend to so many. On behalf of the Avalanche organization, we send our deepest condolences to the entire McNab family. Peter will be greatly missed.”
Current and former Avs players respond on social media
Avalanche captain Gabriel Landeskog posted on Instagram, “You will be missed Pete.”
Devon Toews posted, “RIP to a great man.”
Erik Johnson posted hands together and a blue heart emoji with a graphic of McNab.
Cale Makar, J.T. Compher and Mikko Rantanen are just a few players who reposted the Altitude Instagram post of McNab’s passing.
Several former players posted sentiments on social media including Nazem Kadri – “Rest In Peace my friend (broken heart emoji).” Nikita Zadorov and Tyson Barrie also reposted the news on their Instagram accounts.
Matt Duchene, former Avs player: “The hockey world lost a good one here… Pete absolutely loved the game and couldn’t have been a nicer man and it was a pleasure to know him. Sending my thoughts and prayers out to the McNab family, everyone at @AltitudeTV and the @Avalanche“