A Series: Looking into Avalanche and Nordiques Player Numbers: Number 30

After Monday's long list, almost any player list will seem short. However, the number 30 really hasn't been used by many Colorado Avalanche or Quebec Nordiques players. Only three Avalanche players have worn it and four have worn in for the Quebec Nordiques.

Michel Dion (80-81): There are many professional athletes who have the ability to perform at a high level in more than one sport. Michel is one of those guys. Before being drafted in the 9th round of the WHA draft in 1974, he played minor baseball as well. He actually was part of the Montreal Expos organization before deciding on trying his hands at a professional level of hockey. The goalie played 50 games in 1980 and had 15 wins, 25 losses and 6 ties. In 1981 he only played 12 games for the Nords before being one of the victims of the Nords cash-flow problems. He was traded for cash. He had no wins, 8 losses and 3 ties that season.

Clint Malarchuk (82-87): Clint was drafted by the Quebec Nordiques in the 4th round in 1981. Clint was a goalie that played with the Nords until 1987. His biggest contribution to the Nords was his exit. He, along with Dale Hunter, went to Washington for Gaetan Duchesne, Alan Haworth and the first round pick in 1987. That pick was used to bring Joe Sakic to Quebec. He played 140 games in Nords gear, had a total 62 wins, 53 losses and 18 ties. If you are wondering why his name is so familiar, he is the goalie that took a skate to the neck during a game and survived.

Mario Brunetta (88-90): Mario is another goalie who was also drafted by the Nordiques. He was drafted in the 8th round in the 1985 Draft. He played 40 games for the Nordiques and had a total of 12 wins, 17 losses and 1 tie in that time.

Scott Gordon (90-91): Gordon is the third goalie of the day. However, Gordon was not drafted, however he was signed by the Nordiques. He played a total of 47 games for the Avalanche, had 15 wins, 14 losses and 26 ties.

Marc Denis (97, 99, 00): Yet another goalie! This list is all about the Pipes. This goalie was drafted 25th overall by the Colorado Avalanche in 1995. Over his three seasons with the Avalanche he would play a total of 28 games earning 10 wins, 10 losses and 4 ties.

Philippe Sauve (04): Hope you aren't tired of goalies yet, because Sauve is yet another one. Philippe was also drafted by the Colorado Avalanche in the 2nd round in the 1998 Draft. He played a total of 17 games, had 7 wins, 7 assists and 3 ties.

Brian Elliott (11): Brian was drafted by the Senators in the 9th round in the 2003 Draft. He was traded to the Colorado Avalanche in exchange for Craig Anderson. His stats were less than stellar, however, that is hardly his fault as the team was in full "Tank-mode" by the time he got there. He played 12 games, had 2 wins and 8 losses.