Former First Rounder Stunned With How Well He's Been Treated At Camp

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Matt Garland
September 29, 2023 (11:30)

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Journeyman hockey player Peter Holland was a surprise name added to the Colorado Avalanche training camp roster. The 32 year old previously retired after playing the 2021-22 season in Sweden. Holland last in the NHL during the 2017-18 season, recording four points in 23 games with the New York Rangers.

Details have emerged of an incredible story and gesture from the Colorado Avalanche to a veteran player on a professional tryout contract, with the team flying out Peter Holland to be present for the birth of his child.

Holland, has played in 266 games in his career with Toronto, Anaheim, Arizona, and the New York Rangers, Holland spent time playing in the AHL, KHL, and the Swedish professional league.

Expecting a child during the training camp of his comeback effort, Holland and his wife elected for a planned birth on September 22. When hearing of this plan, the Avalanche held nothing back, and made the amazing gesture to excuse Holland and fly him out to be present for the birth. Even to an ageing veteran making a comeback effort, the Avalanche put their people first, which is absolutely commendable.

In an interview with the Denver Post's Corey Masisak, Holland spoke about the amazing effort from the Avalanche, and his effort to make it back to the NHL.

It's weird because I've been here before and played a lot of games in this league, but I still feel like the new guy walking around

They came to me and said, 'Look, we have a 5:35 flight for you, take Saturday off and go be with your family.' I jumped at the opportunity. I feel very fortunate to be around an organization that puts people first.

It was a quick trip to spend a little time with his two-year-old daughter, Liv, and meet his new son Chase. Then it was back to Denver, and back for one more chance to finish his playing career on his terms.

«I'm so hungry,» Holland said. «I just want to bring a great attitude to the rink and play as well as I can to make sure that I stick around as long as I can. If that looks like three exhibition games or two and then that's it, or if that looks like starting the season here, we'll just have to figure out what that all means. I'm fortunate to have a healthy family at home. I've been fortunate to play this game for 10 years. Whatever is going to happen, is going to happen.»

Holland has never been known to put up a ton of points, but can provide good depth at center, kill penalties and provide all the work ethic and energy needed in a bottom six role.

The 15th pick from the 2009 NHL draft got his first taste of preseason action on Monday night against the defending champion Vegas Golden Knights. He picked up an assist in 12:34 of ice time.

Previously on HockeyUnplugged

Player suspended 25 games after putting opponent in hospital for 3 days with dirty hit

Connor Bedard shows tremendous maturity and a great attitude following OT win

Oilers defenseman adding to his reputation as a dirty player

POLL
SEPTEMBRE 29 \| 51 ANSWERS Former First Rounder Stunned With How Well He's Been Treated At Camp Do you think Peter Holland makes the Avs?
Yes, can fill the 4th line center spot	14	27.5 %
No, time has passed him by	22	43.1 %
Would make a solid 13th forward	15	29.4 %
List of polls

Former First Rounder Stunned With How Well He's Been Treated At Camp

Do you think Peter Holland makes the Avs?