Facing an impatient 37-member consortium of owners and an economic downturn in the Midwest, the Kansas City Scouts turned their attention to a sale. Jack Vickers came in, purchased the franchise, and moved them to Denver to replace the CHL/WHA's Denver Spurs, who moved to Ottawa before promptly folding. Despite the change of scenery, the struggling expansion team continued to struggle. In 1977-1978, they made the playoffs for the first and only time in Denver despite being the league's sixth-worst team.
After six seasons, Jack Vickers' business fortunes took a turn for the worse, and he was unable to pay for the team's lease in Denver. According to Don Cherry, Vickers' lease was bad from the start: he didn't get any revenues from parking, advertising, or concessions. The club was sold to Arthur Imperatore who announced a move to New Jersey once the Meadowlands Sports Complex was completed. Before he could do so, Imperatore sold the team to Peter Gilbert who was committed to keeping the team in Denver. Just over a year later, the Rockies were sold once again to John McMullen who completed the abortive move to New Jersey, where they became the Devils.
Among their notable players were:
After six seasons, Jack Vickers' business fortunes took a turn for the worse, and he was unable to pay for the team's lease in Denver. According to Don Cherry, Vickers' lease was bad from the start: he didn't get any revenues from parking, advertising, or concessions. The club was sold to Arthur Imperatore who announced a move to New Jersey once the Meadowlands Sports Complex was completed. Before he could do so, Imperatore sold the team to Peter Gilbert who was committed to keeping the team in Denver. Just over a year later, the Rockies were sold once again to John McMullen who completed the abortive move to New Jersey, where they became the Devils.
Among their notable players were:
Team Captains
- Simon Nolet 1976-1977
- Wilf Paiement 1977-1979
- Gary Croteau 1979-1980
- Mike Christie 1980
- René Robert 1980-1981
- Lanny McDonald 1981
- Rob Ramage 1981-1982
Hockey Hall of Fame Members
- Lanny McDonald (and his moustache)
Generally Notable
- Mike Gillis (GM of the Vancouver Canucks 2008-2014)
- Joe Cirella (the last active player to play for the Rockies)
| General Manager: | Ray Miron | 1976-1981 |
| General Manager: | Billy MacMillan | 1981-1982 |
| Head Coach: | Johnny Wilson | 1976-1977 |
| Head Coach: | Pat Kelly | 1977-1979 |
| Head Coach: | Don Cherry | 1979-1980 |
| Head Coach: | Billy MacMillan | 1980-1982 |
Season Stats
| Season | Wins | Losses | Ties | Goals For | Goals Against | Goals Leader | Assists Leader | Points Leader | Penalty Minutes Leader | Wins Leader | GAA Leader |
| 1976-1977 | 20 | 46 | 14 | 226 | 307 | Wilf Paiement (40) | Wilf Paiement (41) | Wilf Paiement (81) | Steve Durbano (129) | Michael Plasse (12) | Bill McKenzie (2.40) |
| 1977-1978 | 19 | 40 | 21 | 210 | 331 | Wilf Paiement (31) | Wilf Paiement (56) | Wilf Paiement (87) | Wilf Paiement (114) | Doug Favell (13) | Doug Favell (3.58) |
| 1978-1979 | 15 | 53 | 12 | 243 | 233 | Wilf Paiement (24) | Wilf Paiement (36) | Wilf Paiement (60) | Barry Beck (91) | Michael Plasse (9) | Bill Oleschuk (3.85) |
| 1979-1980 | 19 | 48 | 13 | 234 | 308 | René Robert (28) | René Robert (35) | René Robert (63) | Rob Ramage (135) |
Bill McKenzie (9) Hardy Astrom (9) |
Bill McKenzie (2.40) |
| 1980-1981 | 22 | 45 | 13 | 258 | 344 | Lanny McDonald (35) | Lanny McDonald (46) | Lanny McDonald (81) | Rob Ramage (193) | Al Smith (9) | Phil Myre (3.41) |
| 1981-1982 | 18 | 49 | 13 | 241 | 362 | Steve Tambellini (29) | Brent Ashton (36) | Brent Ashton (60) | Rob Ramage (201) | Glenn "Chico" Resch (16) | Glenn "Chico" Resch (4.03) |