Now that the deal is officially signed and Brock Boeser is officially returned to the Canucks, it’s time to take a different approach as I often do, than what I’ve seen making the rounds on social media the last few days.

Where do I begin? Here goes:

Dear Brock,

First, things first, let me say: congratulations on the new contract extension and welcome back!

I can still recall the 2015 NHL Draft and remember thinking there was no way the Canucks would be lucky enough to draft you at 23rd BUT then it happened! Shortly after the draft that year, the Canucks hosted a summer event where you and many of their prospects were in attendance and meeting the fans. You probably don’t remember this BUT when we met, first thing I said was “Welcome to the NHL”, and you told me “Thank-you, but I haven’t made it just yet.”, to which I said, “Well, I have a feeling that it won’t be long before you’re in the league FULL TIME.”

And here we are 4 years later, and you’re heading into your THIRD full season in the league. From a kid who didn’t know the kind of impact he could have to a Calder finalist, to a sensational player on the ice to an even better person off of the ice.

Maybe you didn’t realize the impact you would have or could have when you made it to the NHL but it’s been incredible to watch from the sidelines. There was a lot of anticipation among Canucks fans when you made your debut as we all waited to see how your game would translate to the league. Translate it did, scoring in your debut and then taking it up a notch in your rookie year giving fans a HUGE surge of hope with the ease of which you carry with you on the ice. (That hat trick against Pittsburgh on home ice was absolutely incredible to witness). And can we mention your NHL All-Star MVP status?!

It’s one thing to have favourite players who are great players but it’s something incredibly special when that talent is combined with an even bigger heart that sees beyond the game. Canucks fans are incredibly lucky to be able to witness your career from the beginning. So much more is yet to come.

It couldn’t have been easy to not only be waiting on your contract this summer but to also be worried about your dad’s health. Please know that as much as fans wanted you to come back to the team, we are ALL rooting for Duke, he’s a warrior and definitely deserved to be your priority. Some things are bigger than hockey.

Re-signing with the Canucks is a great moment for the franchise. Playing in this league is no easy feat but you’ve endured a lot along the way to get here, but there’s a place for you to leave an indelible mark and inspire so many more to follow your footsteps. From a top ranked prospect to a rookie taking the league by storm to hitting another stride with Pettersson to becoming an ambassador within the community.

If I could give you one bit of advice, it would be to not let the negative narratives bring you down, instead allow them to push you to prove them wrong. Over the course of your career, there will be good days and there will be tough days, but over the course of your career up to this point, you’ve already proven you can handle all of it. If you ever need an example of who to look to, look no further than Bo Horvat who is walking the path along side you, but also look back to the careers of Henrik and Daniel who defined the epitome of what it takes to endure in the NHL through the highs and the lows.

You came into this league, a kid from Minnesota living his dream and made this city that was beginning to spark again and ignited their hope with BROCK-star moves.

Here’s to the upcoming season about to start that will feature many BROCK this way moments and the continuation of a very promising future for you and the Vancouver Canucks!

Sarah E.L.