The countdown is officially on and as we edge slowly closer to the upcoming season, my excitement grows even more. Yes, I know that probably sounds crazy coming from a Vancouver Canucks fan. According to the “experts”, what could I possibly have to be excited about or why do I even bother to support a team that is already predicted to be in the bottom of the league next season?

And you know what? Maybe all those “experts” are right that the team will finish near the bottom next year OR maybe they are are wrong. Regardless of how the “experts” predict next season OR how the season actually goes, I will be supporting the team from start to finish.

And yes, as crazy as it may sound, I am excited for the season that is just around the corner despite all the odds and disasters that could be.  And yes, I will be excited about the season and the team’s future. And yes, I will cheer the loudest when Daniel Sedin joins his brother Henrik in the 1000 NHL points club this season. Despite what people from the outside may think, that is an incredible feat in ANY NHL career and one that many players do not reach.

And yes, there is a lot of youth on this team moving forward and I am thrilled to see those players develop with the organization. I am excited to once again see Bo Horvat continue his evolution as a leader on this team on and off of the ice. Brock Boeser in 9 games last year, only showed a glimpse of what he can bring to the NHL. This season, he will play potentially a full season to fully embrace what it means to be an NHL player. Then there’s the case of Jake Virtanen, who so many have already decided is a bust, wouldn’t it be amazing if all that hard he’s put in this off-season helps him prove all those critics wrong? He deserves an opportunity to do just that…I have a feeling we have yet to see his very best.

And yes, I will continue to watch the game with a different perspective from many fans by choosing to always find the silver lining. Having a different view of the game does NOT make me less of a fan in any way. Yes, I do get frustrated at moments or disagree with a decision made on the ice but neither or those lead me to stop supporting the team. And yes, regardless of whether a season is good or bad, I will watch every game supporting the team through it all: the good, the bad and everything in between.

And when I inevitably read all the upcoming negativity directed at the team during the upcoming season, I will shout my support even louder. Perfect or perfectly imperfect, win or lose, the Vancouver Canucks are my team and they have my support all year round: 24/7/365.

The countdown is on and I can hear the echoes of what’s to come just beyond the bend…

“Is it October yet?
No, not just yet, but I can hear the echoes of what is just beyond the bend.
Anthems bringing the crowd to attention,
and for a moment all is quiet before it all begins.
The cool crisp smell of the ice followed by whistles blowing,
the clink of the puck finally dropping,
sounds of blades hitting the ice,
sticks battling for the puck,
resounding cheering for the many goals that will come,
the resounding boos for any and every bad or missed call by the refs,
the chirping between players,
the back and forth battle from end to end,
each shift more intense than the previous one as the clock winds down,
and the absolute bliss of seeing your team skate away with victory.
Is it October yet?
No, not just yet, but I can hear the echoes of what is just beyond the bend.

-Sarah Laug (August 9, 2014)”

The countdown is on, can you hear the echoes just around the bend? What moment are you most looking forward to in the upcoming season? For me, it’s getting to see Daniel join his brother in the 1000 NHL points club as they continue to fill up the Vancouver Canucks history books.

As always, until next time, nuck said.

Sarah E.L.