Colorado Avalanche Player Makes NHL History for Unique Name

Whenever October rolls around, many people’s minds immediately go towards the start of the spooky season.

Get our free mobile app

However, for some of us, we get excited over something else that we have been starved for since June; hockey.

That’s right, hockey season is back, with both the Colorado Avalanche and Colorado Eagles playing this week.

Both teams are looking to bounce back after a brutal end to their postseasons, with the Avalanche losing in overtime to the Dallas Stars in Game 6 of the Western Conference Semifinals. The goal was scored by former Avalanche star Matt Duchene to rub salt in the wounds.

The Eagles also fell in overtime to the Abbotsford Canucks, which was an extremely heartbreaking way for such a fantastic season to end.

Yesterday, the Avalanche looked to start off the 2024-2025 season off on the right foot. Even though they lost 8-4 at the hands of the Vegas Golden Knights, one Avalanche player’s name will forever be etched in the NHL’s history books. 

Avalanche Player is the First in NHL History With the Same First and Last Name

During the loss, the Avalanche got to see the debut of a new player they hope will be a real difference maker in the future.

Despite not scoring in a little over nine minutes of ice-time, his first appearance will always be remembered for a unique reason.

Meet Ivan Ivan, the Colorado Avalanche’s brand new forward from Czehcia.

Simply by playing in the game, he has become the first ever player to have the same first and last name in NHL history.

He got his name from his father, Marek, who says having two first names has caused some people confusion over what to call him.

He decided that for his son, he would simply eliminate the confusion, giving him the name Ivan Ivan so either one would work.

Ivan Ivan Actually Grew Up a Colorado Avalanche Fan

What’s fascinating about Ivan Ivan is not only the fact he has an extremely unique name, but the fact he became a fan of the Aves as a child in Czechia.

Him and his father used to bond together by playing NHL video games, in which Joe Sakic was the best player.

He then grew to love other Aves stars as well, including fellow Czech Milan Hejduk, who is the all-time leader in games played for the team. 

After last night, Ivan Ivan was sent back down to the Colorado Eagles, where he likely will be a part of the team’s first homestand against the Tucson Roadrunners.

Last season, Ivan scored 12 goals along with 19 assists for 31 points in 67 appearances for the Eagles. He’s a valuable piece for the team, and hopefully he soon will be one for the Avalanche as well.