A Top Prospect Trying to Work His Way Back, Alex Newhook Paying His Dues in Minors

LOVELAND – Alex Newhook was part of a winning team on opening night, Oct. 13. He and the Colorado Avalanche beat the Chicago Blackhawks 4-2 at Ball Arena, and after some quiet postgame bonding with teammates in celebration, Newhook went back to his Cherry Creek apartment for a contented night’s sleep. His first 82-game NHL season ahead of him, Newhook knew he’d need to get his rest.

Two days later, he was told he was no longer a member of the Avalanche. He would become a member of the Colorado Eagles, and would need to get on a plane to Las Vegas to play a game against the Henderson Silver Knights of the American Hockey League.

“At the time, definitely, it took a bit to kind of get my head around what was happening,” Newhook told Colorado Hockey Now Friday night, after the Eagles’ 5-4 loss to the San Jose Barracuda at the Budweiser Event Center. “I don’t know if it was a shock, but obviously my hopes were to be there all year, as everyone’s would be. You want to be with the big club. But you’ve got to take it for what it is. I’m down there just trying to prove myself every day.”