We’re all Canucks (most of the time!)

Those that know me know that I stopped watching hockey right after the players’ strike / National Hockey League’s lockout back in 2004-5, when the whole season was cancelled. I was also tired of the nonsense violence that plagues the NHL (body checks, head shots, fights, etc.). Besides, I’m a die hard fan of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC.

However, something magical happened on Saturday, June 4, 2011. I started paying closer attention to hockey and the Vancouver Canucks.

On that remarkable day, we dropped our daughter, Isabella, off with her aunt so she can have a play-date with her cousins. Instead, all the kids were glued to the television set watching the Vancouver Canucks versus Boston Bruins game.

Isabella (left), her cousins, and baby brother, Brayden (little one on the right), getting ready for the big game!

Given that the kids were “busy” with the game and didn’t want to be disturbed, my wife and I said a quick goodbye and went for a walk along the beach in Downtown Vancouver. What a sight: Sun shining and few people walking about as most were watching the game at home; but every once in a while the peacefulness would come to an abrupt end with faithful fans’ screams and cheers cutting through the warm air.

We walked for so long that we ended up at my parent’s place, who were watching the middle of the 2^nd period. Vancouver Canucks won the game and the city erupted. High-fives and hugs for everyone. It seemed as though everybody forgot about their troubles for the night and began to enjoy what life had to offer.

My wife and I decided to wait for a while before picking up our daughter at the end of the night. It was around 11:00 PM when we finally caught up with Isabella and her cousins. It’s safe to say that I had never seen Isabella that excited about a Canucks win (or any other sports team for that matter). She went on and on about how she met so many happy people when she and her cousins (and aunt) took to the streets after the win. She told us about the high-fives from strangers. She told us about how the kids screamed every time the Canucks scored. In a nutshell, she was absolutely energized by the positive energy that was flowing throughout the city.

To be honest, her enthusiasm for the game was contagious. I began to smile with her when she shared her stories.

Suddenly, I realized the importance of sports: It brings neighbours, communities and cities together. It gives people an excuse to cheer or frown together. It allows people to release positive and/or negative energy. It allows people to brag about their successes. It unites people behind one common theme.

It brings families together.

Thanks for reading,

Armin

PS. Go Canucks Go!