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DENVER -- Josh Kroenke will now be keeping just as close a watch on power plays as power forwards. Already in charge of the Denver Nuggets, Kroenke was announced Friday as the new president of the Colorado Avalanche. He will take over for Pierre Lacroix, whos stepping down after 18 seasons and two Stanley Cup titles. Lacroix will stay with the team as an adviser. Former team captain Joe Sakic also received a promotion as the Avs overhauled their front office. Hes now the executive vice-president of hockey operations and will have a big say on just about everything, including the next coach after Joe Sacco was fired last month. Greg Sherman will remain the teams general manager as the Avalanche try to get back on track after finishing last in the Western Conference and missing the playoffs for a third straight season. "I like challenges. Ive never been one to back down from a challenge in my entire life," Kroenke said. "I dont sleep a lot, because Im constantly thinking about teams. Im always paying attention and watching. Im looking forward to taking these things to new heights." By many, Kroenke is viewed as primarily a basketball guy, especially since he played at Missouri. The Nuggets won a franchise-record 57 games this season before bowing out to the Golden State Warriors in the first round of the playoffs. In the meantime, the Avalanche languished in Kroenkes three seasons as the teams governor. Hes constantly heard the criticism that neglect is the reason for the Avalanches recent slide. He just shakes his head. "I dont like losing. Im a very competitive person," said Kroenke, whose father, Stan, owns the Nuggets, Avalanche, St. Louis Rams and a majority of the English football club Arsenal. "The hard part about team building is staying patient. If we can continue to add and draft well, we will be in a good position in a few years." If Sakic didnt believe that, he wouldnt have signed on. Kroenke had to sell Sakic on taking a larger role with the team after spending the last two seasons serving as the teams executive adviser/alternate governor, with somewhat undefined responsibilities. "Were not that far away," Sakic insisted. "But we still have to add pieces for sure." Priority No. 1 is finding a coach. Sakic said he wants a leader with a nurturing nature. After all, the Avs have a young nucleus in place with Matt Duchene, Ryan OReilly and captain Gabriel Landeskog all under 23. "We need that winning attitude down in the dressing room," Sakic said. Over his career with the organization, Lacroix supervised the relocation of the team from Quebec to Denver and was the architect behind the championship teams in 1996 and 2001. He assembled a talent-rich lineup led by Sakic that captured nine straight division titles a decade ago. Lately, Colorado has fallen on some lean seasons. "There are cycles to every team," Kroenke said. "There are teams playing very well in the playoffs right now that were not in a position far off from where we are several years ago." By promoting Sakic, the Avs are borrowing a page from the Denver Broncos, who brought in Hall of Famer John Elway to take over as executive vice-president and help revive the team. Elway has flourished in his front office role, just like he once did on the field. Its a model that Kroenke has carefully monitored. "Having somebody that has the experience both as a player and as an executive, such as John or Joe, is very valuable to an organization," Kroenke said. "John has only proved that the last few years with the Broncos." Sakic was the face of the franchise since the day the team arrived in the Mile High City before the 1995-96 season. He wore the captains "C" for 17 seasons and guided the Avalanche to championship titles in 1996 and 2001. He also won league MVP honours in 2001 and was a 13-time All-Star. For all of that, the team retired No. 19 in his honour and a commemorative banner hangs from the Pepsi Center rafters. "Theres pressure coming with this title," Sakic said. "Im ready for it." Things got so bad for the Avalanche toward the end of this season that veteran goaltender Jean-Sebastien Giguere questioned the teams heart, enraged that some of the players were more concerned with post-season vacation plans in Las Vegas than their play on the ice. That ignited them, too, as the Avs went 3-2-2 down the stretch against teams that had already clinched or were looking to sew up playoff berths. Soon after the season, Sacco was fired and Lacroixs son, Eric, left his position of vice-president of hockey relations. Colorado owns the No. 1 pick in the upcoming draft, with defenceman Seth Jones largely considered the top prospect. Jones was drawn to the game in part because of Sakics influence when Jones father, Popeye, once suited up for the Nuggets. "(Popeye) was a little upset his son wanted to play hockey and didnt want to play basketball," Sakic said, smiling. "I think it paid off." Asked if hockey will now be on the same footing as hoops given his new role, Kroenke said: "Were committed to all of our teams equally. "Assuming the presidency title of the Avalanche answers that question very clearly," he continued. "As far as any kind of perceptions out there -- Greg and Joe can both tell you behind the scenes how passionate I am, how much sleep I lose." Nuggets general manager Masai Ujiri can vouch for that as well. Ujiri, who was named the NBAs executive of the year on Thursday, frequently receives texts from Kroenke at all hours of the night. "Hes an absolute gem," said Ujiri, who showed up at the news conference to support Kroenke. "You can see what hes done with the Nuggets and I bet you its going to be the same way for the Avalanche." Charvarius Ward Super Bowl Jersey Juan Thornhill Super Bowl Jersey . LOUIS -- Valtteri Filppula assisted on three of Tampa Bays four goals, and the Lightning beat the St. http://www.thechiefsshoponline.com/Youth-Len-Dawson-Chiefs-Jersey/ . -- New England Revolution goalkeeper Matt Reis is retiring after a 16-year career to become the goalie coach for the Los Angeles Galaxy. Tony Gonzalez Super Bowl Jersey .C. United of Major League Soccer. United chose the defender in the second round of the 2013 MLS re-entry draft. Alex Okafor Super Bowl Jersey . -- Timbers coach Caleb Porter didnt stray from his business-like approach to the season even after Portland downed the two-time defending league champion Los Angeles Galaxy to gain crucial playoff position. Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Carson Wentz is out with a hairline fracture in his ribs that could cost the rookie the rest of the preseason.The Eagles announced Wentzs injury, suffered Thursday on a hit in the teams preseason game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, on Saturday.Carson felt some discomfort and soreness as we began this mornings practice. We decided to limit him throughout the remainder of practice and, as a precaution, sent him for a CT scan after practice. The scan revealed a hairline fracture in his ribs, Eagles coach Doug Pederson said in a statement. We do not know an exact timetable for his return, but we hope to have him back before the end of the preseason.Wentz, the No. 2 overall pick in April, remained in the game after the hit. He warmed up for practice Saturday but did not take part in seven-on-sevenn or full-squad drills.dddddddddddd think it was the next-to-the-last play of the game, Pederson told reporters prior to the injury announcement. He got hit pretty hard on the right side, stayed down on the ground for a while. [Hes] just sore. Bothered him to throw a little bit.The Eagles have preseason games at Pittsburgh on Thursday and at Indianapolis on Aug. 27. Pedersons plan called for Sam Bradford and Chase Daniel to play more in those games. Wentz was expected to play more in the Sept. 1 preseason finale against the New York Jets.Wentz completed 12 of 24 passes for 89 yards in Philadelphias preseason opener.ESPN staff writer Phil Sheridan and The Associated Press contributed to this report. ' ' '