To mark the start of the local NHL team’s 41st season, we present an intro to the Canucks, Vancouver’s favourite team
By Sheri Radford
Brimming over with team spirit, this Vancouver Canucks fan shows her true colours. Photo by Jeff Vinnick courtesy Vancouver Canucks
Fevered Fans
Die-hard Canucks supporters never stop believing. Their beloved team has made it to the Stanley Cup finals three times, and even gone all the way to game seven—twice—but has never won the coveted trophy. Local fans remain faithful, though, already anticipating that lucky season 41 will see Roberto Luongo, Ryan Kesler, the Sedin twins and all the rest of the hardworking lads bring Lord Stanley’s cup home to its rightful place, within sight of the 400-hectare (1,000-acre) park that also bears Stanley’s name. Season 40 proved to be the most successful so far, racking up the Presidents’ Trophy for the team, the Art Ross Trophy for Daniel Sedin (one year after his identical twin, Henrik, won the honour) and the William M. Jennings Trophy for goalies Luongo and Cory Schneider. Fans are already breaking out the blue and green face paint and hand-lettering signs in anticipation of the season opener Oct. 6 against the Pittsburgh Penguins.
Tickets
With a waitlist for season’s tickets estimated to be up to a decade long, and every game sold out since November 2002, tickets to Canucks games are harder to find than a Toronto Maple Leafs fan in downtown Vancouver—unless you know where to look. Visit www.ticket master.ca first. If that ends in a shutout, try the Prime Seat Club on canucks.nhl.com. It’s where season’s-ticket holders sell off unneeded tickets. Follow the team on Twitter (twitter.com/VanCanucks) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/Canucks) to get updates on last-minute ticket releases.
Gear
Looking for your own Luongo jersey or Kesler t-shirt? Head to the Canucks Team Store to find everything from official jerseys, hockey pucks and baseball hats to foam fingers, coffee mugs and adorable little onesies.
Goalie Roberto Luongo high-fives eager fans. Photo by Jeff Vinnick courtesy Vancouver Canucks
Clues That the Canucks Are in Town
- Line-ups at bars and restaurants with big-screen TVs.
- Ear-shattering shouts of “Luuuuuuu!”
- Fans of all ages and sizes, from tots to grannies, dressed in blue and green.
- Flags and white towels everywhere.
- Hand-lettered signs reading “Believe” and “Ryan Kesler, marry me!” and the ubiquitous “Go Canucks go!”
- Across the street from Rogers Arena, a line-up out the door at the Costco concession, where $1.50 buys a jumbo hot dog and pop.
- Random sightings of the spandex-clad green men.
Where to Watch
If you can’t score tickets to a seat in Rogers Arena, head to one of the many restaurants and bars around town filled with giant screens showing the game. A few of our favourites:
- Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery.
- Phat Sports Bar and Restaurant.
- Shark Club Bar and Grill. We especially love that this one briefly changed its name to the Vancouver Club back in May, while the Canucks battled the San Jose Sharks during the playoffs.
Fans fill Red Card Sports Bar + Eatery to root for the home team. Photo by KK La
October 2011 Home Games at Rogers Arena
Oct. 6 Pittsburgh Penguins
Oct. 18 New York Rangers
Oct. 20 Nashville Predators
Oct. 22 Minnesota Wild
Oct. 26 St. Louis Blues
Oct. 29 Washington Capitals
More information:
CANUCKS TEAM STORE Find official merchandise for the city’s NHL team, the Vancouver Canucks. Apparel, from jerseys to t-shirts, as well as collectibles and memorabilia.
Gate 6 at Rogers Arena, 800 Griffiths Way. 604-899-7890.
1151 Robson St.
Canucks Team Store Outlet, 2893 E. Hastings St. 604-676-8140.
www.canucks.nhl.com
FORUM This bar is often full of excited young sports fans. The karaoke is a fun event to take in with friends (M nights). Open daily.
1163 Granville St. 604-605-1163.
www.forumsportsbar.com
G SPORTS BAR AND GRILL Serves comfort food and streams live sports daily. Low drink prices make it a popular hangout. VIP room available. Open daily.
1208 Granville St. 604-687-7684.
www.thebestgspot.com
RED CARD SPORTS BAR + EATERY Watch your favourite game while dining on Italian cuisine in a restored heritage building. Open daily.
900 Seymour St. 604-689-4460.
www.redcardsportsbar.com
SCORE ON DAVIE This friendly neighbourhood bar has strategically placed TVs throughout the room, making it a fun place to watch the game. Features a daily brunch starting at 10 am.
1262 Davie St. 604-632-1646.
CACTUS CLUB CAFE Best Casual Chain, Vancouver magazine since 2008. Great vibe, mod decor and globally inspired dishes. Come for drinks or dinner. $$. L/D (daily).
588 Burrard St. 604-682-0933.
1136 Robson St. 604-687-3278.
357 Davie St. 604-685-8070.
1530 W. Broadway. 604-733-0434.
www.cactusclubcafe.com
PHAT SPORTS BAR AND RESTAURANT Savour hot Montreal-style smoked meat on rye served with a kosher dill pickle. Freshly made wild mushroom bisque and matzo ball soup are delicious sides. $. B/L/D (daily).
1055 Mainland St. 604-684-6239.
www.phatdeli.com
SHARK CLUB BAR AND GRILL Sports goodies decorate the walls, while TVs around the room show worldwide sporting events. Extensive menu. DJs spin top 40 on the dance floor, F-Sa. Open daily.
180 W. Georgia St. 604-687-4275.
www.sharkclubs.com
Stay, Dine, Do
