Vancouver Canucks

In 1946 the Pacific Coast Hockey League established an ice hockey franchise in the city of Vancouver. Known as the Canucks, they immediately enjoyed success by winning the PCHL championship in only their second year of existence. In 1953, the PCHL merged with the Western Canada Senior Hockey League to form the Western Hockey League. With numerous star players coming through the ranks like Johnny Bower, Andy Bathgate, Tony Esposito, Don Cherry and Phil Maloney, the Canucks won the Leaster Patrick Cup in 1958, 1960, 1969 and 1970. On May 22, 1970, for the sum of $6,000,000, the Vancouver Canucks joined the National Hockey League. Although primarily known for their perpetual futility in the NHL, the Canucks are now in the upper echelon of the Western Conference.

Founded: 1970

Arena: General Motors Place

Uniform colors: Blue, red and silver

Logo design: A stylized "C", consisting of an orca breaking out of water.

Stanley Cup final appearances: 2 (0 won, 2 lost: 1981-1982 (lost), 1993-1994 (lost))

Franchise History

First Captain: Orland Kurtenbach

First Game: October 9, 1970 vs. Los Angeles Kings

First Victory: October 11, 1970 5 - 3 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs

First Goal Scored: Barry Wilkins vs. Los Angeles Kings

Players of Note

• Andy Bathgate
• Johnny Bower
• Tony Esposito
• Allan Herbert Stanley
• Gump Worsley

Retired Numbers

• 12 Stan Smyl
• 99 Wayne Gretzky (retired league-wide by the NHL)

Current stars:

• Markus Näslund
• Todd Bertuzzi
• Ed Jovanovski
• Brendan Morrison

Not to be forgotten:

• Trevor Linden
• Kirk MacLean
• Stan Smyl
• Pavel Bure

External link:

• Vancouver Canucks official web site

Referenced By