Posted by Greetings, and welcome to the Vancouver Canucks section of the website. My name is Derek, and I hope to provide you with at least a couple minutes of Canuck-related entertainment each week — not that I’m promising anything, as I know how demanding and discerning some of you can be. You know who you are.
As a matter of introduction, I will say that I have been a Canucks fan for a very, very long time. I was, in fact, born the year the NHL Canucks were (that is, 1970) and while the details of those early years are a little foggy, I do remember the days of Don Lever, Chris Oddleifson, Cesare Maniago and Curt Ridley. So when I say that I know what it takes to be a Canucks fan, you know where I’m coming from.
First and foremost, you must be able to deal with hardship. From Day 1 of the Canucks franchise, when the Wheel of Fate gave us the immortal Dale Tallon instead of Gilbert Perreault, the Canucks fan has had to deal with the wrath of the Hockey Gods. Throughout Canuck history, there have been plenty of bad teams — but not bad enough to get that first-overall pick that might land us a Mario Lemieux or Sidney Crosby. Even when we are blessed with a gift like Pavel Bure, he ends up injured and traded away. Canucks fans learn to respect the Hockey Gods; they giveth and taketh away (mostly taketh).
Next, you must learn to enjoy — or at least endure — inconsistency. Look, it’s easy being a Red Wings fan — you know you’re getting a well-coached, well-run, top-tier hockey team year in and year out. Canucks fans can never be sure where their team will end up from year to year — or even month to month. Just look at this year: How does a team lose nine straight at home, then go on to win eleven straight? But, though it may seem frustrating, the unpredictability actually makes for a more exciting season. The Wings seem practically boring by comparison!
To be sure, a lack of fashion sense certainly helps. How else does one wear the Flying Vee with pride?
Finally, the one must-have quality of any Canucks fan: undying hope. Hope that Cody Hodgson is the real deal. Hope that Burrows and Kesler aren’t one-year flashes in the pan. Hope that Luongo sees the potential of this team and signs that extension, and the same with the Sedins (with a hometown discount, of course). Above all, hope that one day our Canuckleheads will lift that silver chalice over their heads for the very first time….A sweet day that will be, indeed.
Until then, let’s buckle up for the ride to the playoffs. If the past tells us anything, it’ll be anything but boring.
Derek Jung is a contributing writer covering the Vancouver Canucks for The Hockey Writers.
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We hope you enjoyed this post. As always, leaving a comment below is both appreciated and encouraged. Thanks!
Welcome aboard and good luck in the playoffs (and off season with those signings)!
Thanks, Matt! Yeah, it looks like we’re going to need it with the signings, if Kesler’s agent is any indication….
Nice to know someone out there knows how to spell Oddleifson – he was my first favourite player!
Judging by your writing, we seem to be the same age! Hmmm, coincidence??
The Stanley cup is ours this year D-man, um, er, stranger….. trust me on this!
Yeah, “Oddleifson” was tricky. The Canucks have had a few guys with tricky names. Remember Dennis Ververgaert? Heck, some people are still having trouble with Bieksa….
Welcome to the site, Trev! I hope you’re right.
Derek…surprised you didn’t mention the many star crossed goals against the Flamers.
And every time they beat us in 7 they end up so revved they go to the Final…or at least it seems that way. was 7 when you were born dude…have felt that pain!
Hi Daniel! I was trying to forget those goals, so thanks for that.
Especially that Joel Otto goal in 1989….