Matt Duchene stands before you today, as the Avalanche’s leading scorer, because of a vow he made nearly two years ago. At the crossroads of his NHL career, at a time when Duchene was beaten up physically and emotionally, the young center chased what seemed like an impossible Olympic dream.

“This was my mountain to climb,” Duchene told me Tuesday, when he fulfilled a lifelong ambition to play hockey for Team Canada at the Winter Olympics.

The ascension of Duchene from the doghouse of former Avs coach Joe Sacco to rising Olympic star began with a single phone call to a struggling NHL player.

In April 2012, after struggling through a painful, frustrating and largely unproductive third pro season hampered by knee and ankle injuries, Duchene was in need of inspiration. He got it from an unexpected source: Brad Pascall, a prominent member of Hockey Canada’s management team.

“At the end of my third year, I was really down,” Duchene said. “But I got a call from Pascall, who said something important: ‘No matter what happens, remember this: You’re still on our radar.’ At that moment, that became my goal: to play for Canada in the Olympics.”

During the summer of 2012, I went so far as to advocate the trade of Duchene, but not because I lacked faith in his ability. But it seemed obvious his development had suffered under Sacco, who looked at Duchene as soft. Colorado had a glut of talent at center. What’s more, Duchene supplied the market appeal to be the centerpiece of a blockbuster trade for a rebuilding franchise. At the time, I suggested the Avs go after winger Bobby Ryan, who now has more than 300 points on his NHL résumé at age 26.

The Avs didn’t listen to me.

Good thing.

Duchene will join center Paul Stastny (USA), winger Gabe Landeskog (Sweden) and goalie Semyon Varlamov (Russia) as Avs representing Colorado’s resurgent NHL franchise at the Olympic hockey competition in Sochi that begins in February.

“Canada is probably the hardest team in the world to make. It’s such an honor. When they announced Matt Duchene from Haliburton, Ontario, that’s what was so cool. The hometown pride is what hit me harder than anything,” Duchene said.

The NHL began sending players to the Winter Games in 1998. In the beginning, it seemed many pros were less than thrilled with the assignment, especially after some members of the U.S. team trashed two apartments after a lackluster showing in the tournament.

“Everyone says they want to win the Stanley Cup No. 1, and that’s the way I feel. I remember crying and my team not winning the Cup at 4 years old,” Duchene said. “You’re a Canadian kid, and you grow up watching ‘Hockey Night in Canada.’ What makes the Stanley Cup special is the grind it takes to get there. It’s so hard. Not that the Olympics is not hard, but Chicago was the best team in the league last season and they won the Cup. In a one-game showdown of the Olympics, you never know what might happen.”

But in ’98, Duchene was 7 years old, and he awoke with excitement before dawn to watch as Joe Sakic and Wayne Gretzky skated for Canada at the Olympics in Japan.

At age 22, Duchene is full of the wonder that accompanies a childhood fantasy that has become sweet reality.

“This is the biggest day in my career other than being drafted by the Avs, which will probably be the best day of my life until I get married or have kids,” Duchene said. “Things have gone so well this season with our team in Colorado. The team helped me get to the Olympics.”

Duchene leads the surprising, upstart Avs with 16 goals.

Give an assist to a dream inspired by Team Canada.

Mark Kiszla: mkiszla@denverpost.com or twitter.com/markkiszla

Russia-bound

Four Avalanche players have been chosen to play in the Winter Olympics scheduled Feb. 7-23 in Sochi, Russia:

Paul Stastny, USA

Making his second Olympic appearance. Helped Team USA win the silver medal at the 2010 Winter Games when he played in all six games and had one goal and two assists.

Matt Duchene, Canada

At 23, making his first appearance. The forward, pictured below, leads the Avalanche in scoring this season with 38 points in 39 games.

Gabe Landeskog, Sweden

The 21-year old will be making his first Olympic appearance. He is second on the Avs in scoring with 31 points in 41 games.

Semyon Varlamov, Russia

Possible starting goalie for Russia, competing with Sergei Bobrovsky of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Making his second consecutive appearance for Russia.