Canucks Daily: TBL-NYR is Nasty Fun, Party On Abbotsford

The Vancouver Canucks farm team in Abbotsford — do we like the ‘baby Canucks’ reference? — announced on Friday a few special events that will be coming up for fans at the Abbotsford Centre in season number-two, including the home opener on October 28th.

“These dates were selected to give our fans the opportunity to plan for some of our biggest nights of the season,” said Abbotsford Canucks CEO Rob Mullowney in the official announcement.

Their first theme night will get cranking at the 2nd home game on October 29th, Diwali Night, celebrating the diversity of South Asian culture. Last year’s event was lucky, bringing about a 7-1 victory over the San Jose Barracuda.

Remembrance Day and Veterans Week are the theme for the game on November 10th, followed by Country Night with some live music two nights later. Two more special events occur in the first half of the season on December 3rd and 4th with a Teddy Bear Toss and a special Holiday Night.

I’m publishing what amounts to a plug for a reason … I’ve found the trip easy, the barn noisy, and the games entertaining. If you’re someone who typically just follows or ‘covers’ the Vancouver Canucks, the Abby boys are an affordable alternative.

By the way, the owners of the team, essentially the Vancouver Canucks, are like fancy home decorators. Instead of blue, green and white, I didn’t realize the official team colours are Fraser green, Pacific blue, Fraser blue, valley fog gray, and mountain white.

Johnny Canuck’s never looked so good.

It’s a Beauty

To be honest, every year without fail it’s the same thing, we’re reminded of just how nasty the Stanley Cup Playoffs can get. The fight for the Stanley Cup brings out a whole different level of behaviour. It’s what makes playoff hockey the greatest sport in the world, a different animal compared to the regular season.

The Eastern Conference Final between the New York Rangers has been gnarly. Just the damage done from blocked shots alone has been remarkable. Rangers defenceman Ryan Lindgren, who hails from Vancouver Canucks forward Brock Boeser’s hometown of Burnsville, Minnesota, is one big bruise. He’s playing with multiple ailments, yet keeps throwing his body in front of fast-moving pucks.

New York center Ryan Strome left Game-3 and didn’t return. Others have left and come back.

Not to say the West has been any sweeter. Vancouver native Evander Kane picked up a one-game suspension and will sit out Game-4 Monday for the Edmonton OIlers after knocking Colorado Avalanche center Nazem Kadri out of the series with a dangerous hit early in Game-3. Good riddance. He’s a boarding penalty waiting to happen.

Ironically, I have no problem with any of the other infractions, nastiness or physicality. Have at it. “It’s a man’s game” as they say. Just no hits from behind. It’s like stabbing a man in the back.

My favourite line of all time on the general topic came from two-time Stanley Cup champion from the 1970’s Derek Sanderson, who played back when the game was waaaaaay nastier.

“It’s a violent game played by violent people, if you don’t like it, watch tennis.”

Atta boy, Turk.

Enjoy the Hockey Action !!