As the National Hockey League sees a new youth movement with stars like Connor McDavid, Auston Matthews, Johnny Gaudreau and 18-year-old scoring phenom Patrik Laine, the time is now for many Canadian teams. For the Vancouver Canucks, peering over the immediate horizon, the future appears similarly bright and bustling with youthful exuberance.
Twenty-one-year-old centre Bo Horvat took home the Canucks scoring title this season, the first time someone without the last name Sedin has done so since Markus Naslund did back in the 2005.06 campaign. The first-time all-star has several up-and-comers lining up behind him as well. There’s speedy sniper Markus Granlund, who was second in goals behind Horvat before having surgery, and Sven Baertschi, whose offensive instincts are now coming to fruition.
The Canucks organization has also taken great strides to stock its prospect pool – now holding one of the most impressive in the league. The Canucks hold four of TSN’s top 40 prospects in goalie Thatcher Demko, defenceman Olli Juolevi, centre Adam Gaudette, and right wing standout Brock Boeser. Coupled with recent trade deadline acquisitions Jonathan Dahlen and Nikolay Goldobin, it’s safe to say the platoon of young talent out west is building and fan excitement is justified.
On March 25 Canucks fans also got an unexpected glimpse of the future when NCAA prospect Brock Boeser suited up for his first NHL game against the Minnesota Wild, and scored the game-winning goal in the process.
Tamara Sibley, who’s been a Canucks Season Ticket Member since 1999, said she knows the best is yet to come.
“While changes are always hard when you put your heart into a team, the flashes of potential that have been exhibited this year by the young and new players – for example, Horvat, Baertschi and Granlund – I believe the future is very bright.”
For next season, Season Ticket Members will be cheering on the young guns in style. In this year’s renewal package, the Canucks surprised every Full Season Member with a complimentary jersey.
The Canucks have also seriously upped their game in terms of hospitality as well. Rogers Arena recently unveiled two new concepts to Vancouver fans this season with the Encore Suite and The SportsBar LIVE! at Rogers Arena. Led by renowned executive chef Robert Bartley, both spots have been well received by the Canucks faithful.
To enjoy these new enhancements, the team also introduced a $200.00 Rogers Arena food and beverage gift card to their new Season Ticket Member benefits package.
Scott Wilson, who’s been a Season Ticket Member since 2003, said he will be renewing again next season and likes what he’s seeing from the Canucks on and off the ice.
“There are a lot of great young players up and coming. The future is bright, and I’m ready for the ride.”
