Monthly Archives: September 2013

Canucks 2013-2014 Season Headlines

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It’s that time of year to take a look at the season ahead and the story lines that will inevitably surround the Vancouver Canucks. The headline possibilities are endless, here are a few that are sure to revolve around the Canucks this season.

NHL Re-Alignment has officially been activated for the start of the 2013-2014 season. The re-alignment will see the new 2 Conference system fall into place featuring 4 divisions rather than 6. Each team team will play each other at least twice [every team will play in EACH arena at least ONCE]. The top 3 teams in EACH division will automatically qualify for the playoffs leaving 4 wildcard spots [2  wildcards per conference go to the teams that have the next highest points below the top 3 in each division; –either there could be 4 qualify from each division OR 3 in one and 5 in the other].

Eastern Conference- Atlantic Division:

  1. Boston Bruins *The Bruins have locked up Rask following a very good season, eventually locked up Iginla and will be looking to build on the success they had last season.
  2. Buffalo Sabres *The Sabres will be looking to have much stronger season and get back to the playoffs.
  3. Detroit Red Wings *The re-alignment moves Detroit from the Western Conference to the Eastern Conference. Teams should never take Detroit lightly because despite what some call their ‘aging’ roster, they never stop competing.
  4. Florida Panthers *Florida signed the ever colorful Tim Thomas following his absence from the NHL for more than a year and will be looking for the success they had during the 2011-2012 season.
  5. Montreal Canadiens *Montreal will be looking to build upon the success of last season when they won their division and push themselves further in the post-season.
  6. Ottawa Senators *Ottawa may have lost Alfie to Detroit BUT they gained an offensive weapon in acquiring Bobby Ryan. New captain, Spezza will be hoping to help the team go all the way.
  7. Tampa Bay Lightning *Tampa will be looking to return to the playoffs this year. Despite missing the post-season last year, St.Louis led the league in scoring.
  8. Toronto Maple Leafs *Toronto returned to the playoffs for the first time in 9 years and will surely want to return to the post-season to erase that game 7 memory.

Eastern Conference- Metropolitan Division:

  1. Carolina Hurricanes *Carolina with a healthy lineup and dependable goal-tending could be dangerous.
  2. Columbus Blue Jackets *Columbus surprised a lot of people last season as they only missed the playoffs by a single point. The Blue Jackets will look to keep themselves as a contender this year.
  3. New Jersey Devils *Brodeur & Schneider in the net give New Jersey impeccable goal-tending.
  4. NY Islanders *Newly named captain, John Tavares will be looking to lead the Islanders straight back to the playoffs.
  5. NY Rangers *The Rangers will look to push themselves to their best under new coach Alain Vigneault.
  6. Philadelphia Flyers *Philadelphia will look to have a turn around year and get back to the post-season.
  7. Pittsburgh Penguins *Pittsburgh will want a much a different ending to their season this year and will bring a new determination to their game.
  8. Washington Capitals *Alex Ovechkin will be looking to build upon the success the Caps had in the second 1/2 of last season and hopefully help lead them to a long post-season.

Western Conference- Central Division:

  1. Chicago Blackhawks *The 2013 Stanley Cup Champions will be looking to carry their success from last season into the current one. With most of their SC roster still in place, they will make a very tough opponent. 
  2. Colorado Avalanche *Patrick Roy returns to the Avs as the new Head Coach and hopes to lead the team back to the post-season.
  3. Dallas Stars      *Lindy Ruff takes over as Head coach, Tyler Seguin joins Dallas & Jamie Benn named Captain.
  4. Minnesota Wild *The Wild will be looking to push themselves further.
  5. Nashville Predators *Trotz will be looking to get the Predators back on track following a year when they were not at their best.
  6. St.Louis Blues *The Blues have solidified their defense and will look to build upon their last two seasons pushing further in the post season.
  7. Winnipeg Jets *The re-alignment moves them from the Eastern conference to the Western Conference.

Western Conference- Pacific Division:

  1. Anaheim Ducks *Getzlaf and company will be looking to make Selanne’s final season a memorable one.
  2. Calgary Flames *It’s a new era in Calgary with Iggy in Boston and Kipper retiring, they will be looking to find new ways to win.
  3. Edmonton Oilers *A new coach and a talented young core will make Edmonton a competitor as long as all stay healthy.
  4. Los Angeles Kings *LA is a team that no opponent can over look, they are competitors that make their opponents pay.
  5. Phoenix Coyotes *Ownership now in place, Phoenix will look to gain back some momentum that they had in the 2011-2012 season.
  6. San Jose Sharks *A talented line up and when all cylinders are rolling can be dangerous to their opponents.
  7. Vancouver Canucks *With new coach Torts at the helm, the Canucks will look to push themselves to new levels and recapture some post-season success.
    –The Canucks have won 6 division titles in the last 7 years prior to the re-alignment but this new alignment brings new rivalries to the surface. The Pacific division will not be easy but it will be a great battle to watch as these 7 teams compete for playoff positioning. It will be a tight race, but incredibly fun to watch. 

Torts Time has officially begun in Vancouver with the signing of John Tortorella as the 17th head coach in Vancouver Canucks history. Heads and eyes definitely rolled initially when it was announced that Torts had in fact been hired by the Canucks as most are aware of his past with the media and passion for the game. The media have reminded Torts of his colored past at every single press conference just to see if he will take the bait. Perhaps he eventually will snap at a member of the media but why goad him into it just for the sake of seeing him snap? How about instead of attempting to see how quick the media can make the coach snap, they focus on how he can help this team. It is going to be a very different year with Torts at the helm of this team and we ought to give him a chance to push this team to their best before we make assumptions. There are 82 games on the schedule, plenty of opportunity for Torts to prove his coaching skills and give the media their desired media bite.

Luongo’s Return: It is a return that many did not expect to happen with everything that happened in the last two years with Cory Schneider. It was a draft day trade that no one expected, especially Luongo. The trade was made and now its time to move the focus to this season: Cory is now a Devil and Luongo is the starter for the Canucks…ACCEPT the facts. Luongo is here to stay and he is more than qualified to play as the starter. This year there will be a lot scrutiny surrounding Luongo and all eyes around the league will be on him. This is an opportunity for Luongo to show all his doubters that he is still an elite goal-tender and perhaps the media will actually show him some support this year rather than help to turn the fans against him. It may not have been the outcome most people expected this year, but it is what happened. Time to support the team and that includes Roberto Luongo. Call me crazy but with the Olympics looming, I have no doubts that Luongo will have a big year in more ways than one.

A finally 100% healthy Ryan Kesler will be on the Canucks opening night roster. Fans have been waiting nearly two years for Kesler to be starting the season 100% healthy. IF Kesler can remain healthy for the majority of the 82 game schedule, it is possible that we can see him reach an entirely new level. When operating at 100% Kesler is offensively dangerous to all opponents. I think its safe to say that Kesler will be looking to push to a new level with the Olympics on the horizon and the US looking to top their 2010 Silver finish in 2014. Will #beastmode once again be activated? Me thinks, yes. If you’ve seen Kesler at any of the recent press conferences he has a fire in his eyes that wasn’t there in the last seasons, a determination to push himself to an elite level of play.

SEDINS=Forever Canucks: The Sedins are going into the final year of their current contract and are looking to sign an extension prior to opening day OR before season’s end. It is not lost on most, that this could be their final contract of their careers and they WANT to remain with the Vancouver Canucks. Management has also expressed that they want the Sedins to remain with the team. Contract discussions have been ongoing since the start of training camp as both sides hope to have a contract signed, sealed and delivered by season’s start. Rumor has it the Sedins could sign contracts with $7.5 million cap hit which have caused some to be shocked BUT you shouldn’t be as they could easily sign for more if they were to test the open market. Regardless of what the final contracts are signed for, rest assured the Sedins will be career Canucks. This is the only team they have ever played for and this is the team they desire to play with for the entirety of their careers. We as the fans, are lucky have watched them develop from rookies to the superstars they are today.

SC Battle Begins: The expectations will vary for each team every year BUT one expectation that every team equally desires is to win the Stanley Cup. The battle for the 2014 Stanley Cup begins as the calendar flips to October and will go all the to June. A quest that begins with an 82 game regular season, an Olympic interruption in February, and closes with an epic 4 round battle for 16 post season wins. I’m not saying that the Canucks will win[***but I will love it if they do!]; all I am saying is that starting tomorrow every team has a blank slate and the season that follows will determine who goes all the way. Starting tomorrow, when the puck drops in the first game of the season, every team has an equal chance and how they play will determine the final outcome.

As the off-season comes to a close, it feels like Christmas Eve. Now all we can do, is wait for the madness to begin when that first puck drops and skates hit the ice tomorrow. There will be no turning back, as the quest for the 2014 Stanley cup begins with game one of the regular season. Let the games begin!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

#HoneyBadger signs for 4 more!

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Say what you will about Mike Gillis, but signing Jannik Hansen to a $10 million, 4-year extension [$2.5 million cap hit] is an absolute steal. Glad that this deal got done prior to the season. Following the 2013-2014 season, Hansen would have become an unrestricted free agent and easily could have tested the waters of the free agency market next summer [& perhaps have been offered more than $2.5 million]. Hansen signing this contract, it shows to management and the fans that it is not about the money but rather his commitment is to playing the game.

It has been fun to see the growth of Hansen as a hockey player from his time with the Manitoba Moose to his tenure with the Canucks; and it will be fun to see him further develop over the next four years. Hansen is entering the prime of his career and has the ability to slot into whatever role is necessary from the third line all the way to the first line with the Sedins whether it is 5 on 5, or special teams. Hansen can be a game changer and hopefully will help this team go all the way in the near future.

Congratulations on your new contract, Jannik! Here’s to a great year from the #honeybadger!

As always until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Raise-A-Reader 2013 Edition!

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Every year the Vancouver Canucks participate in the Vancouver Sun’s Raise-A-Reader campaign. This year was no exception and they were out bright and early. Vancouver Canucks players downtown is a HUGE draw for fans of the team.

The campaign went from 7:00AM-9:00AM. There were representatives from the Vancouver Canucks, Vancouver Whitecaps, B.C. Lions, Global News, and of course the Vancouver Sun. You can guess who I went downtown to see, right? Is it even a question?!

Of course it’s my Canucks! Support a great cause & meet part of the team?!

Team representatives today were: David Booth, Zack Kassian, mascot FIN! Kirk McLean was representing the alumni [but I missed out on meeting Captain Kirk…next time!! Even so, I still have some great long lasting memories!]

It was an absolutely fantastic way to start my day!

First meeting of the day: David Booth!

Met David Booth!

Thanks for the photo David!

Second meeting of the day: Zack Kassian! [side note…Jeff Vinnick {Canucks photographer} got an awesome shot of my 3 sisters & I with Kassian…hope to get a copy to share!]

Met Zack Kassian!

Thanks for the picture Zack!

And no Canucks fan outing would complete without a sighting of everyone’s favourite mascot: FIN!

FIN always takes a bite when our paths cross!

FIN always takes a bite when our paths cross! Seriously…every time!

Walked away with 3 awesome autographs!:

SarahsAutographs!

Helped the #raiseareader campaign & walked away with the perks of being an early bird! 3 autographs: newspaper[FIN!], Jersey[#9 Kassian], & hat[#7 Booth]!

Thanks again David Booth, Zack Kassian, & FIN for an epic start to my day! It was great to see so many Canucks fans out there support the #RaiseAReader campaign & supporting the team! Hope to see you all out there next year!

[Canucks met previously: Mason Raymond & Ryan Kesler. Still on my list of Canucks to meet: Luongo, Linden, the Sedins & Bieksa]

I do not think I can thank the Vancouver Canucks enough for my wonderful morning! It only made me that much more excited for the regular season to begin[despite the lack luster preseason!].

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Preseason Dramatics

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Just when everyone thought the preseason was boring…the players decided to make this a very interesting one. There is still a week before the NHL season officially opens YET as the preseason has progressed, we have already seen a ridiculous amount of drama.

Dramatic Incidents & the suspensions handed out through September 23rd:

Sept.15th. LA Kings vs. Phoenix Coyotes.

Incident: LA rookie Jordan Nolan hit Phoenix defenceman Rostislav Klesla with an open ice hit which resulted in Klesla being knocked unconscious. Klesla was taken off the ice on a stretcher and taken to hospital.

Result: Jordan Nolan was assessed 4 minutes of penalties immediately following the hit. As soon as he returned to the ice he was a target of all the Coyotes. Bissonnette left the bench in order to fight Nolan resulting in an automatic 10-game suspension. He will be eligible to return to the Coyotes lineup October 24th. As a result of his fight with Bissonnette, Nolan was given a 2-minute minor for embellishment and a 10-minute misconduct. Even though Nolan’s hit on Klesla resulted in a dangerous injury, according to Shannahan he did not break any NHL rules and would not be suspended. Best of luck to Klesla as he recovers!

September 21st Vancouver Canucks vs. Edmonton Oilers

Incident: Dale Weise guilty as charged with making an illegal check to the head of Taylor Hall. Hall was not injured on the play BUT it is an extremely dangerous play to make in ANY game. An collision between Zack Kassian and Sam Gagner resulted in an accidental high stick to the face of Gagner. Not only did it result in the loss of a few teeth but also a broken jaw. I do not think Kassian had any intention to hurt Gagner but that doesn’t change the fact that it resulted in an injury. Best of luck to Gagner on a speedy recovery!(I may not be a fan of the Oilers, but you never want to see a player injured.)

Result: Dale Weise suspended the remainder of the preseason. Zack Kassian received a 4-minute double minor penalty on the play and suspended the remainder of the preseason and the first 5 games of the regular season. They will serve their respective suspensions and move on.

September 22nd Toronto Maple Leafs vs. Buffalo Sabres

Incident: Where to begin with the melee that ensued in this game?! A fight broke out between Toronto’s Jamie Devane and Buffalo’s Corey Tropp broke out that was quickly followed the incident between Buffalo’s John Scott and Toronto’s Phil Kessel. Rather than fight with Scott, Kessel took two chops at Scott with his stick and soon there was an all out brawl between the two teams. Even the goalies joined in the punching.

Result: David Clarkson was handed the automatic 10-game suspension for leaving the team bench on an illegal line change and joining the on-ice brawl. Kessel received a 3 game suspension through the rest of the preseason, and will eligible to play again opening night. Buffalo’s head coach Ron Rolston was fined for player selection and team conduct as result of the events that transpired in the third period. A total of 211 penalty minutes were divided between all the players involved.

I reiterate that it is PRESEASON and seems ridiculous to have had so many incidents take place BEFORE the regular season begins. That being said, the incidents have taken place and the punishments have been given whether fans agree with the decisions made by the league or vehemently disagree with the decisions that were made. It is safe to say that once again the NHL will once again be consistently inconsistent with suspensions handed out. It is also safe to say that whatever decisions are made throughout the year that not everyone will agree when suspensions are handed out. There will always be those who ask for harsher punishment and those who think the punishment given was too harsh. At the end of the day, whether we as fans agree with the decisions made doesn’t matter, what matters is how each team responds to that decision.

There are still a few days of preseason left, and with the way this preseason is going, anything could happen between now and next week’s regular season puck drop! We will have to wait see how these incidents affect these teams when they meet again in the regular season.

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Toast to Torts

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“One of my dreams … was hoping some day I could coach in Canada. To be with this team where it’s at … I couldn’t be more excited.” – Torts at his 1st official Canuck Press Conference

I know I am more than a little late to the party BUT I wanted to wait until closer to the season to post this. I believe it is fair to say that following a Q&A from the fans and his introduction to Vancouver media, John Tortorella had turned a lot of people from their preconceived notions regarding his demeanor. Everyone seemed to be expecting to see the man who hates losing and has put himself into hot water with his words but that was not the man who presented himself to the fans and this city [except of course, he still hates losing as do we all!]. Does he have a past and has he made mistakes? YES, hasn’t everyone?! Tortorella acknowledged from the get go of both interviews that he’s working to change that perception of himself and noted that he doesn’t want to put himself or the Canucks organization in a sticky situation.

Every SINGLE time he has addressed the media, EVERYTHING he has said is OVER analyzed. He recently made comments in regards to his dislike for twitter and that he does not want his players to use it too much or leak what’s happening within the locker room. Is it wrong of him to want to keep team dynamics private? I don’t think so. Shortly following what the media dubber his twitter tirade, during another media press conference a cameraman’s cell phone went off interrupting the conference causing Torts to threaten to walk if it happened again. Perhaps a little rash to walk out BUT recently the local media have had little or NO respect for the team.

For the first two pre-season games, Torts was not behind the Canucks bench but rather watching from above. Many commentators and fans alike disagreed with this decision. I liked the decision. By watching from above he could get a real sense of this team, the prospects and see what areas need to be addressed before the regular season begins come October 3rd.

Things are not going to be the same with Torts at the helm of this team and whatever perspective you had of him before is likely to change. He’s going to run a tight ship and the team will have to work hard BUT perhaps his style is what they need to get that extra push throughout the season and down the stretch drive.

Success can be hard to come by in any career but looking at the history of John Tortorella, one can see that he has achieved many success at every level of his coaching career. He has coached the AHL’s Rochester Americans to the Calder Cup victory in 1996, coached the Tampa Bay Lightning to Stanley Cup Victory in 2004 [also won the Jack Adams award in 2004], and helped to coach the US Olympic team to a Silver medal in the 2010 Olympics.

NHL coaching record: In the 854 NHL games he has coached, Torts has amassed a record of 410 WINS-340 LOSSES-37 TIES-67 OVERTIME LOSSES. This year with the Canucks, he will surpass the 900 games coached milestone. Let’s hope it’s a big year for Torts and the team!

He might not have been the coach that many desired or expected to land in Vancouver BUT he is the coach that chosen for the job. He might possibly stir up the media with a comment or two that they over analyze as they do everything. He might do things that make you question his motives BUT everything he does in regards to the team will be to push them to give their best every game. Will they win every game? Probably not, BUT hopefully each loss[may they be few!] will teach them something and be another push to make them better individually and as a team.

I’ll leave you with this last quote from Torts:

“It’s a pretty unique situation coming to a team that’s winning, that has done a lot of great things along the way [like] almost winning a Stanley Cup [in 2011],” he said. “It’s the next level the [Canucks] organization is looking for. I know how I’m going to approach it. It’s going to be asking the players that are here, hopefully some younger players coming through to our organization, for more out of them.”

Welcome to Vancouver, Torts! I look forward to the ups and downs and all the in between as this new chapter with the team begins!

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Prospect Profile: #48 Hunter Shinkaruk

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Who is Hunter anyway? Hunter Shinkaruk was selected 24th overall in the 2013 NHL Draft by the Vancouver Canucks.

Prior to being drafted by the Canucks, Shinkaruk has spent the last three seasons playing the WHL for the Medicine Hat Tigers. Does that team sound familiar Canuck fans? The answer is YES or that it should be yes because once upon a time that is the very team where former Canuck Captain, Trevor LINDEN began his hockey career and went on to have A LOT of success with Vancouver.

Hunter has played in 193 WHL games with the Medicine Hat Tigers and amassed a total of 219 points [100 goals, 119 assists]. His first year his total hit the respectable 42 point mark but was more than double in the next two seasons with totals of 91 points and 86 points respectively.

There is SOOOOO much potential with Shinkaruk and I look forward to seeing him represent the blue and green!

Hunter’s first [pre-season] NHL is extremely highlight reel worthy! Hopefully we get to see him in the line up scoring many more spectacular goals over the next few years!

Shinkaruk has looked good in both the Young Stars Tournament and the pre-season games that he has appeared in for the Canucks. Should he crack the lineup this year…it will be very exciting to watch! Shinkaruk has a very bright future and potentially a big career a head of him and we are lucky enough to witness the beginning.

Best of luck this year Shinkaruk, hopefully we see you sporting the blue and green this year!

As always until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Player Profile: #5 Jason Garrison

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Jason Garrison’s NHL journey began down the undrafted route. He worked his way up from the minors to the BCHL and eventually earning an athletic scholarship to the University of Duluth where he played at the NCAA level for 3 years. Prior to his senior year he was offered an entry level NHL contract by the Florida Panthers. Garrison played his first entire NHL season in the 2010-2011 season but really came into his own during the 2011-2012 season when he scored 16 goals.

As a result of his successful year, there was a lot of hype when Garrison became a free agent in the 2012 off season and multiple offers came. He stated prior to free agency beginning he stated that he was interested in playing for his hometown team, the Vancouver Canucks. It became official July 1, 2012 that Garrison became a long-term Canuck, signing a 6-year contract with his childhood team.

His first year with the Canucks had its ups and downs from being taken off the first powerplay unit and the shortened lockout season. Going into this season, the key will be consistent in his defensive and offensive plays throughout the 82 game schedule.

In 237 NHL games, Garrison has amassed 75 points [31 goals, 44 assists]. It should be noted that 49 of those points have come in the last two seasons.

Garrison’s point shot brings the team within one:

Faceoff win, GARRISON SCORES….

I don’t think the Avs meant to pass the puck to Garrison:

It will be interesting to see how Torts pairs up the defensemen this year and if he takes advantage of Garrison’s slapshot on the powerplay. Hopefully this season Garrison will be able to find that offensive magic that was in his defensive arsenal in the 2011-2012 season. Best of luck @GarrisonFive! Canuck fans look forward to you having a BIG year ahead as you help the team be successful.

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Player Profile: #2 Dan Hamhuis

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HOME TOWN hero! Dan Hamhuis’ NHL career began when he was drafted 12th overall in the 2001 NHL draft by the Nashville Predators. He made his NHL debut during the 2003-2004 season and spent 6 seasons playing for the Predators.

Following the 2009-2010 season, Hamhuis and the Nashville Predators could not come to a new contract agreement leading Nashville to trade his negotiating rights to the Philadelphia Flyers and then the Pittsburgh Penguins. He was unsuccessful in coming to terms with Pittsburgh and became a free agent July 1, 2010 and after multiple offers he decided to sign with his hometown team, the Vancouver Canucks.

Hamhuis was a vital part of the Canucks 2011 playoff run; Dan and Kevin Bieksa formed a formidable shutdown defensive pair keeping the opponents top lines up until Dan was injured early in the Stanley Cup Final series versus Boston.

In 676 NHL games, Hamhuis has amassed a total of 245 points [46 goals, 199 assists]. Going into this season he will more than likely surpass 200 assists and 50 goals!

Hamhuis drew a lot of international attention when he joined Team Canada in the 2013 World Championship and earned himself an invitation to the 2014 Olympic Orientation camp for Canada [he was also invited to the 2010 Olympic Orientation camp but did not make the final roster]. Dan will have to keep to his strong defensive style of the game in tact as he hopes to crack the Olympic line up. Good luck Hammer, hope to see you represent the red and white in Sochi!

Here’s a few #hammertime highlights to keep you going until puck drop October 3rd!

OT winners are always awesome:

It’s always nice when the defense chip in with the offense:

34 SECONDS…:

It will be interesting to see Torts keeps Hamhuis paired with Bieksa as one of the top defensive pairs. Going into the new season as with most players on the roster, the main key will be to remain healthy for the majority of the 82 game schedule and always maintain consistency.

Best of luck this season Hammer! #hamhuis #hammertime

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Player Profile: #9 Zack Kassian

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Zack Kassian’s NHL career began when he was drafted 13th overall by the Buffalo Sabres in the 2009 NHL draft.  He made his NHL debut with Bufflalo in November 2011 and played a total of 27 games with Buffalo throughout the 2011-2012 season before being traded to the Vancouver Canucks. Zack was acquired in a trade to Buffalo with Marc-Andre Gragnani in exchange for Cody Hodgson and Alexander Sulzer.

His initial arrival in Vancouver was not well received by the fans as many were livid that COHO was traded. Kassian was put in an impossible position as everyone [media and fans alike] decided that since he didn’t play the same style as Hodgson that acquiring him was a mistake. It is not quite fair to have the expectation that they should replace one another on a roster when they play different styles. I admit, I was not completely sold on Kassian when he first arrived BUT he has shown flashes of what could be if given an opportunity. It is important that people STOP comparing him and Hodgson because they are clearly not the same BUT both bring some great elements to their respective teams.

Kassian brings size and grit to the game and when on a roll can score a clutch goal. Last season he spent a few game playing top minutes with the Sedin twins…and like many other players he was the beneficiary of some incredible plays. Perhaps this year we will get to see him play MORE with the twins OR in the very least with consistent line mates.

It is important to remember that Zack Kassian has yet to play a FULL NHL season and his full potential has yet to be seen. Going into the new season it will be interesting to see how he develops under new Head Coach, John Tortorella.

In 81 NHL games, Kassian has amassed 21 points [11 goals, 10 assists]. This year hopefully he will build upon that with a full NHL season and put up some big numbers.

Here are a few highlights from Kassian’s 2012-2013 season to remind you of how much potential he has going into this season:

Shootout…!

Powerplay…Hammer to Kassian, SCORES!

Sedins & #zackattack combine against the Blackhawks:

The key for Zack this season will be consistency and making the most the minutes of ice time he’s given. Kassian has a lot of potential that has yet to be unlocked but hopefully will be developed under Torts and with consistent line mates. Here’s to Kassian having a great season in 2013-2014 & pre-season starting in ONE week!

#zackattack #gocanucks #nearlyOctober

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.

Player Profile: #36 Jannik Hansen

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Jannik Hansen’s NHL career began when he was drafted 287th overall by the Vancouver Canucks in theh 2004 NHL draft. Following his NHL draft, Hansen opted to play one more year in Denmark. He transitioned to playing North American style of play playing first in the WHL for the Portland Winter Hawks which was followed by his time with the Canucks AHL affiliate [the Manitoba Moose] before earning a full season roster spot with the team at the start of the 2008-2009 season.

In 318 NHL games, Hansen has amassed 131 points [50 goals, 81 assists]. Let’s hope to see #honeybadger add to those totals with a breakout season this year!

Here are a few #greatdane highlights to keep you going until the season gets here!

Like I said in previous profiles, everyone did something awesome in this 7 game series!:

& Hansen strikes the hawks AGAIN! Good things happen to those who play with the Sedins…!

Canucks and Leafs always make for interesting games:

Hansen has established himself as a solid third line forward with the capabilities to jump on to the 1st and 2nd lines when called upon. One of his biggest strengths is his skill on the penalty kill unit. He will be looking to build on the successful season he had in the 2011-2012 season with a career high 39 points [16 goals, 23 assists]. Going into the new season, Hansen will be playing in the final year of his current contract and hopefully put up some strong numbers that will result in a contract extension before next off-season! Let’s see what you’ve got #honeybadger!

#honeybadger #thegreatdane #gocanucks

Can you feel it? Hockey season is nearly upon us! We’re getting closer #canuckleheads! Next week is training camp, followed by a six game pre-season, which will be followed by the long awaited regular season.

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.