Yes, I know I am a few days late with this post, but here it is.

Alex Burrows was never supposed to make it in the NHL, let alone last more than 800 games or spend time as a top line winger with the Sedins as one of their most productive line mates.

A player that many labeled lucky to be here and a pest to his opponents early on in his career and no one ever thought he’d be a top line winger. With his tenacity on the penalty kill, ability to drive his opponents crazy, an innate ability to break streaks and score timely goals, Burrows captured the hearts of the fans. Pure determination has driven him far in his career.

He’s heard it every year that perhaps he’s not good enough and perhaps he should be sent packing and every year he comes back proving his critics wrong. He’s faced adversity at nearly every turn and yet keeps pushing forward. He’s become synonymous with breaking streaks. That dragon slaying goal against Chicago will forever remain one of my all-time favourite moments. You could feel the emotion across the city when that puck crossed the line.

And yes, I know that that was in the past and that many believe his best days are behind him and the team should let him go. And yes, I know that this post will not change anyone’s mind, but I hope it opens them enough to see the immense value that Alex Burrows has had to this franchise.

He started from the bottom and worked his way all the way up from a rookie to a now seasoned veteran. A rookie that has now become a leader for the younger generation and a voice of experience to his teammates. Burrows is not just a leader on the ice but also off the ice. He has embraced the community off the ice with the myriad of Canucks charities and has become an advocate for mental health awareness. Alex Burrows has proven time and time again, that no matter what your critics say, if you believe in yourself, you can achieve anything.

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.