After 25 seasons of being the national anthem singer for all (at least 99%) Colorado Avalanche home games, Jake Schroeder has announced his intention to call it a career after this season.

K99 logo
Get our free mobile app

Who Is Jake Schroeder?

If you've been to a Colorado Avalanche game at the old McNichols Arena, or Ball arena (formally Pepsi Center), there's a pretty good chance you've heard the incredible rendition of our national anthem being performed by Colorado legend, Jake Schroeder. Jake started doing the national anthem for the Colorado Avalanche 25 years ago during the 1997-1998 season at the old McNichols Arena and has continued to this day. Just this past November, Jake performed his 1,000th anthem for Colorado's NHL franchise.

Not only did he do the honors at Colorado Avalance home games, but he would also make the occasional guest appearance at Denver Nuggets and Colorado Mammoth some games at the BAll Arena as well. I do the PA Announcing for the MAmmoth and whenever Jake would do the anthem in the loud house to fire up the MAmmoth fans, it was an absolute honor to watch and he was always an absolute pleasure before and after his performances. After much of deep thought and consideration, Jake officially announced his intention to pass the touch after thus current 2021-2022 season.

 Jake Schroeder Retires From Colorado Avalanche National Anthem Singing Duties

In an interview with the Denver Post Jake said:

“After a lot of considering and COVID being over and things for my job getting busier and busier with a program that I created and is really, really important to me, and talking to my family, 25 years and 1,000 anthems is great. I’m really, really proud of everything I did, anthem-wise, for the Avalanche, and I think it’s time to move on. I think it’s time for them to get some new blood and move forward. So that’s what I’m going to do. I’m going to finish up these playoffs and that will be it for me"

 

Loved by not just the front office, but the team, and most importantly, the fans. Thank you, Jake, for an unforgettable run. You'll always be one of the all-time best at what you do, and you'll always have a home behind a microphone at the Ball Arena whenever you should get the itch to belt out our nation's anthem in front of 20,000 of Avs Faithful. Here's to hoping we can send you out with a Championship. Go Avs Go.

PHOTO FLASHBACK: Colorado Avalanche Win 2001 Stanley Cup Championship

The 2001 Stanley Cup Finals was a hard-fought series between the two top teams in the NHL. The series was extremely physical and would go 7 games - with the Avs having to win the final two games to win the title. Here is a look back at some great Colorado Avalanche history - and a closer look at that thrilling series.

LOOK: 50 images of winning moments from sports history

Sometimes images are the best way to honor the figures we've lost. When tragedy swiftly reminds us that sports are far from the most consequential thing in life, we can still look back on an athlete's winning moment that felt larger than life, remaining grateful for their sacrifice on the court and bringing joy to millions.

Read on to explore the full collection of 50 images Stacker compiled showcasing various iconic winning moments in sports history. Covering achievements from a multitude of sports, these images represent stunning personal achievements, team championships, and athletic perseverance.

More From K99