from Dan Rosen of NHL.com,

The Avalanche coach was fighting back tears as he spoke.

"This is a surreal moment for me," Bednar said. "I'm going to try not to get emotional but I already am. We love you guys, love you."

Bednar thanked "the level of commitment and trust and patience" that Sakic and the ownership group had in him.

"They gave me my first chance," he said.

He thanked the families of all the players and coaches for their support. He also thanked his coaching staff and the Avalanche support staff.

"They do all the heavy lifting, honestly," Bednar said. "You don't even know how much work these guys do to be successful."

And then about the players, Bednar again was fightning back the tears as he spoke.

"I couldn't be more proud of these guys," he said. "I can't even explain it. I couldn't put it into words. I mean, everyone has a story and I could go through every guy and the sacrifices they made for our team. I'm amazed by every single one of them. I'm so happy for them. I'm so proud of them. I love these guys."

Bednar closed by thanking the fans for their support.

"I love you," he said. "I appreciate it. Thank you for letting me be a part of it."

much more from the parade...

added 3:49pm, watch Bednar from the parade below...