If you're a Vegas Golden Knights fan like me, you love to travel. Seeing different countries and continents is the spice of life. You experience different cultures and norms, broadening your global viewpoint. That includes Canada, who happens to be the friendly neighbors up north.
Sure, tensions might be high on a broader scale. However, that doesn't make Canadians cold-hearted like Alberta weather. They still carry a welcoming vibe and persona with them, greeting you with a smile and small conversation.
This past weekend, I went on an incredible hockey trip to the Great White North (well, sort of white). I took a trip to Vancouver to watch the Vancouver Canucks play hockey. It was a breathtaking experience similar to the Detroit trip, where I checked out a hockey game in Canada.
Mind you, I've never been to Canada before this trip. I hadn't even been to Windsor on a drinking trip with my buddies. Go ahead and revoke my "I'm From Michigan" card. By the way, the drinking age in Canada is 18 years old. You can believe I was in shock and awe when I made the trip to British Columbia.
With that, I give you a Golden Knights tour guide to tackling the Vancouver area. What's the go-to place to see in Western Canada? What makes the Canucks a unique franchise? No, we're not burning down the house here. Instead, we're exploring Canada's best-kept secrets and diving into a Canadian NHL game. Pack your poutine and maple syrup because it's time to hit the ice!
What makes the Vancouver Canucks unique?
Before entering the NHL in 1970, the Vancouver Canucks played in the PCHL (Pacific Coast Hockey League). They originated in 1945 and also played in the Western Hockey League. But they weren't the first professional hockey team in Vancouver. That title belongs to the Vancouver Millionaires, who originated in 1911.
Originally, the plan was for the Oakland Seals to move to Vancouver due to attendance woes and financial instability. However, the NHL shut down a potential move because that meant an expansion team in 1967 moving would've been a bad mark. Still, the city was promised a team that was made reality by Tom Scallen for $6 million. Lo and behold, here were the Canucks and Buffalo Sabres in 1970.
The Canucks have made it to the Stanley Cup Final three times, only to fall short each time. Modern hockey fans will remember the 2011 riots after the Boston Bruins beat them in seven games. But Vancouver does have a decorated hockey history of its own.
That includes two Presidents' Trophies and 11 division championships. They've also housed legendary NHL figures such as Pat Quinn, Roberto Luongo, and the Sedin brothers. Nowadays, it's Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson leading the charge in British Columbia.