Editing Avalanche (section)

=== Formation and early competition ===

Avalanche was established during the 1990s and became closely associated with Ed Poorman, owner of paintball retailer and equipment manufacturer [[Warped Sportz]]. Chris LaSoya was identified as one of the team's founding members in a contemporary Warped Sportz announcement published in 2002. [1]

The team developed a reputation for recruiting established professional players and promoting an identifiable team image through customised equipment and apparel.

By 1998, Avalanche was competing successfully in the NPPL professional divisions.

At the 1998 NPPL World Cup in Orlando, Florida, Avalanche won the professional five-player division. [7]