Elias Pettersson, Photo: Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks‘ upcoming 2023/24 NHL season is almost here, as things kick off next month after a long off-season of retooling and changes for the hockey club in their quest to return to the Stanley Cup playoffs.
GM Patrik Allvin, Quinn Hughes & Head Coach Rick Rocchet, Photo: Vancouver Canucks
Season Opener
The Canucks made a big announcement by introducing all-star defenceman Quinn Hughes as the team’s 15th captain in franchise history. He’ll make his official on-ice regular season debut donning the “C” at home at Rogers Arena against the Connor McDavid-led Edmonton Oilers in the season opener on October 11. Expect a pre-game ceremony introducing all the new players acquired in the off-season and another cinematic hype video.
The Canucks then head to Rogers Place (not to be confused with Rogers Arena) in Edmonton a few days later for their Hockey Night in Canada season debut on October 14, also versus the Oilers to complete the home-and-home series before heading back to Vancouver for a five-game homestand.
J.T. Miller, Photo: Vancouver Canucks
Special Games
As always, the Canucks will have a selection of themed nights, including games commemorating Diwali, Hockey Fights Cancer, First Nations, Hockey Talks, Lunar New Year, Black History Month, and Pride. These dates are to be announced.
Free the skate! Last season, the Canucks introduced a brand new alternate third jersey based on their classic 1990s black uniforms updated to their current branding. Once again, they’ll wear these jerseys for a selection of home dates throughout the season.
Bingo bango bongo! On December 4, the Canucks will also celebrate Roberto Luongo Night to induct the Hall of Fame goaltender into the Ring of Honour. The first 10,000 fans in the arena that night will get a special complimentary Bobby Lu goalie bobblehead.
Rogers Arena, Image: Vancouver Canucks
Rogers Arena
Rogers Arena has been going through some off-season renovations. New updates include the state-of-the-art video scoreboard (four times larger than the previous screen. This new video board is engineered with a modern seamless curve, allowing viewing angles from all areas in the arena.
Also new this season is the ritzy and exclusive event-level VIP luxury lounge located between the dressing rooms in perfect view of both teams when they make their way to the ice. Membership also comes with its own private entrance and world-class à la carte dining.
Photo: BC Sports Hall of Fame
Pre & Post-Game
Before any home game, there are usually fan activities and gatherings outside Rogers Arena at Toyota Plaza in front of the Roger Neilson statue. Also, if you have some free time before a game, visit the nearby BC Sports Hall of Fame (open Wednesday to Sunday, 10am-5pm) located at Gate A inside nearby BC Place to learn all about our local sports history.
Located in False Creek just steps away from Gastown, Yaletown, Chinatown, and the downtown core, there are plenty of entertainment and dining choices within walking distance of the Stadium District. The Parq Casino complex has tons of options across the street, including Honey Salt, The Victor, D/6 Bar & Lounge, and BC Kitchen. Sports bars around downtown include the appropriately named The SportsBar (inside the arena), Red Card Sports Bar, Shark Club, The Pint, The Living Room, GoodCo Bar, Dublin Calling, Tap & Barrel, The Blarney Stone, or Score on Davie.
If you’re planning a whole day of hockey-related fun or are travelling from out of town to watch your favourite team face off against the Canucks, there are lots of convenient hotels to stay the night. Options not far from the arena include the JW Marriott, The Douglas, Georgian Court, YWCA Hotel, Sandman, Hotel BLU, Rosedale on Robson, or the Hilton.
Andrei Kuzmenko, Photo: Vancouver Canucks
This year marks the 54th season for the Vancouver Canucks hockey club, who play in the NHL’s Pacific Division in the Western Conference. They are set to host 41 home games at Rogers Arena for an 82-game regular season.
To browse their full schedule and purchase tickets, visit the Canucks‘ website.
