(Photo: Canucks TV Screenshot/Canucks.com)

The Vancouver Canucks will be honouring a 100 years of hockey in British Columbia by wearing replica jerseys of the Vancouver Millionaires tonight vs the Detroit Red Wings. In 1912, as part of the Pacific Coast Hockey Association, the Millionaires became the first professional hockey team established on the West coast, and since 1915, stand as Vancouver’s only Stanley Cup winning team.

The burgundy Millionaires’ look includes jerseys that center a large V for Vancouver on the chest with beige stripes on the sleeves and beige pants. The Canucks look to fair far better than their last game against the Red Wings (a 8-3 loss on February 24th) and pay tribute to the Millionaires with a win tonight. “We’ll be wearing a different uniform and so we’re hoping for a different result” says Roberto Luongo, who will be starting tonight (x). Head Coach Alain Vigneault says that he likes the Canucks new look, “I think we look real sharp and I’m hoping that we’re going to play as well as we look” (x).

After seeing the Canucks in their historic attire at practice, Detroit Head Coach, Mike Babcock praised the team on honouring their hockey history. “This is part of the tradition of Vancouver and what’s gone on here. I think it’s a special thing and good for them that they’re doing it” (x).

The Canucks are coming off back to back wins (since recovering from a four game losing streak) and are ready to make amends for their last game against Detroit. Jannik Hansen, who has been the Canucks’ best forward as of late, says the team is up for the challenge. “We have something to prove after what happened in Detroit last time…So it should make for a good game” (x). Luongo, who is making his third consecutive start, will be sporting a Millionaires mask, and hopes that his team can show the Red Wings “that the last game was just a blip on the radar” and that the Canucks are still Cup contenders (x).

(Photo: Loxy!!/flickr)

It seems that Ryan Kesler’s tough road to recovery after undergoing off-season wrist and shoulder surgeries has finally come to an end. While Kesler himself was evasive on Thursday in confirming or denying whether he would make his season debut tonight versus the Stars, Head Coach Alain Vigneault left little doubt that the Livonia, Michigan native would be returning to the line-up. “All indications are he is ready to go” (x) said Vigneault.

Kesler, who had previously been practising alongside his teammates in a grey no contact jersey (reserved for injured players), wore a regular blue jersey in practice Thursday, signalling that he had been cleared for contact and may be game ready. After practice Vigneault went on to confirm that Kesler “[had] been medically cleared to play…[and looked] real good on the ice” (x) while skating on a regular line and taking shifts on one of the Canucks’ power-play units.

In practice Kesler skated on a line with Chris Higgins and Zack Kassian. Vigneault is adamant that pairing Kesler with Higgins and Kassian will bring a strong dynamic to the Canucks game, noting “[t]hat [it] is a big line, it’s a line that brings a physical dimension plus real good puck pursuit, [and] plays with really good speed” (x). Kesler who has shown strong chemistry when playing alongside Chris Higgins in the past, is eager to see what youngster Zack Kassian will bring into the mix. “He has pretty good hands for a big guy [,]…he can skate[,]…he can move and [he] protects the puck real well…He does all those little things well so…I think we’ll fit well together ” (x).

The Selke Champion, who has a history of rushing back from injuries has been extremely cautious this time around, assuring that he will not play until he is completely ready. Vigneault notes that Kesler has taken all the extra time he needs to regain his strength and perfect his conditioning: “Initially, [his recovery] was supposed to be five months and I think we are closing in on nine or [ten] months here” (x). Vigneault stresses the need to not push Kesler too hard, too fast, saying that he will keep his “minutes reasonable” to help him ease into the game and see how he responds to real game play (x).

Kesler has also assured that this time around, he will take precautions to ensure he stays healthy, noting, “I’ve learned a lot over the past few years about injury prevention and taking care of my body…Not only on the ice, but off the ice. There are things I can do to help prevent injuries” (x). The Olympic Silver medalist says that he is feeling comfortable and despite being cautious, he will not change his aggressive, gritty game upon his return. “The way I play is the reason I’m successful…I’m not one of those guys who is going to get by on their skill alone. I have to be one of the hardest-working guys out there.” (x).

Kesler’s return will only fortify a Canucks team that has won six straight games (and holds a record of 8-2-2 on the year) in the absence of their once 41 goal scoring, second line center.

(Photo:VancityAllie/Flickr)

After the Canucks’ premature playoff elimination last April, a majority of the hockey world thought they had seen the last of Roberto Luongo in Vancouver. However, 7 games into the season, not only is Luongo still a Canuck, he will receive his third consecutive start versus the Chicago Blackhawks tonight.

Luongo, who is known for his slow starts to the season, is not wasting any time this year in getting into mid-season form. The Montreal, Quebec native’s game has been solid all season, most evident Wednesday night where he shutout the Colorado Avalanche, stopping all 24 shots he faced, leading the Canucks to a 3-0 victory and earning his 61^st career shutout.

The 33 year old, entering his seventh season with the Canucks, received a warm ovation from the Rogers Arena crowd towards the end of the game, and after being named the game’s first star. “It was nice… [and] [i]t was something I very much appreciated” (x), Luongo noted. Given his stellar performance, Head Coach Alain Vigneault wasted no time Thursday in announcing that Luongo would be starting against the Blackhawks. Not surprising, considering that his goals against average of 1.61 (4^th in the NHL) and save percentage of .938 (5^th in the NHL) showed he is off to one of the best starts of any goalie in the league.

Luongo credits his stellar start to the season to his lockout training regiment, in which he spent 7 weeks in Florida training with goaltending coach, Francois Allaire. Luongo feels that his time with Allaire helped him adapt his game for the better. He explains, “I feel great…I’m moving really well. I’m trying to keep my body centred on every shot and not leaning away from the puck. I’m really happy with the way I’m moving in the crease and the way I’m seeing the puck” (x).

The Olympic Gold medalist has struggled at times when facing the Blackhawks, one of his most demanding opponents, but Luongo is eager to stand up to the challenge tonight. “It’s exciting, nothing better than a game against the Blackhawks to get a little playoff intensity going there” says Luongo, stressing that “[t]hose guys have been one of the top teams in the league so far so it’s a good measuring stick for us” (x). Teammate Daniel Sedin assures that despite what the media may suggest, players in the Canucks lockeroom have no qualms about who starts in goal, game after game. “For us it’s never been an issue…[because] [w]e’re confident in both goalies, they’ve been good so far so it’s a non-issue for us” (x).

Luongo is making the most of his time with the Canucks, emphasizing, “I don’t know what the future holds, with this situation…I’m just enjoying every moment right now and having fun being around the guys and playing some hockey” (x). In true Lu fashion, he’s staying humble, full of class and grace: “I’m in a happy place right now, playing well, the team’s playing well, and I just want keep ’er going” (x). Cool, calm, and collected Luongo looks to be playing with a point to prove, that point being that he is still an elite contender who is ready, more than ever, to carry his team to win the NHL championship.

(Photo: Canucks TV Screenshot/Canucks.com)

General Manager Mike Gillis announced Sunday that the Canucks had signed free agent Cam Barker to a one year, $700,000 contract. After being selected third overall in the 2004 NHL entry draft (behind Alexander Ovechkin and Evgeni Malkin) Barker has struggled to live up to his potential, now having signed on to play for his fourth NHL team in less than three years.

The 6’3, 222lbs, Winnipeg native is eager to make a name for himself with a fresh start in Vancouver, telling media, “I’m thankful for the opportunity and I’m ready to go” (x). Barker assures that he is aware of what it takes to earn a spot on a Stanley Cup contending team and that he can rise to the occasion: “I know where I want to be and what I’m capable of, and I’ve got to go out and prove [critics] wrong and play well from the get-go” (x).

The veteran defensemen is looking forward to once again receiving some NHL ice time and making the most of the opportunity. Informing reporters, “I’ve worked extremely hard to get back to this point and I’m going to make sure it counts” (x). Coming into Vancouver, Barker feels “good and confident” (x). He knows he has a lot to prove, but is adamant that if he stays healthy, “the rest will take care of itself” (x).

Head Coach, Alain Vigneault, revealed that the Canucks had actually been interested in acquiring Barker for awhile, explaining, “our guys have always felt that [Cam] had a tremendous amount of potential”(x). Vigneault feels that if Barker “gets what he needs to do now, understands it and comes to play every day” he will finally be able to reach that potential (x). Mike Gillis adds that Barker’s time with the Canucks may just give the 26 year old “an opportunity to reinvent his career” for the better (x).

Barker suited up for 23 games with the AHL Texas Stars this season, recording 8 points (3 goals and 5 assists) before signing with the Canucks.

Today on Canucks in Wonderland…

The Vancouver Canucks – Era: 2011 (Photo: Naki Edits/canucks.com)

The Vancouver Canucks are separated into their individual districts and their industries, specialties and most notable members (and the up and coming) are determined.

Sweden

• Industry: style, twins, sleepy eagles
• Notable Members: the Sedin Twins, Alex Edler
• Specialties: Tick Tack Toe Passing, sleeping, being stylish
• Up and Coming Members: Eddie Lack (modeling, Swedish goalie extrordinaire)

Canada

• Industry: sassy French men, a Juice box who likes milk dogs, ‘Kids Who Could Play With Cigarettes in their Mouths’ and men who can grow amazing beards
• Notable Members: Alain Vigneault, Alex Burrows, Hammer the community man, Luu the amazing goalie and Kevin Bieksa
• Specialties: Sass, the art of growing beards (see: Kevin Bieksa, Dan Hamhuis),  the attempt at the art of growing beards (see: Mason Raymond).
• Up and Coming Members: Frankie Corrado; Italian

United States of America

• Industry: sets of Abs, Golden Locks of American Freedom and impressionists Extrordinaire
• Notable Members: Chris Higgins, David Booth and Ryan Kesler (the American Express) and Cory Schneider (impressionist extrordinaire)
• Specialties: the showing off of abs and the impersonating of his teammates/coach
• Up and Coming Members: Jordan Schroeder; Darth Vader (references at x and x)

Denmark

• Industry: a unique set of vocal chords , the art of growing beards
• Notable Members: Jannik Hansen
• Specialties: being fiesty and ‘hot’ at all the right times, also the art of growing beards
• Up and Coming Members: Nicklas Jensen, the little Danish Prince

(Photo:clydeorama/flickr)

Given his lackluster performance this post-season, Ryan Kesler became an easy target for many critics following the Canucks’ early playoff exit in April. A lot was expected of Kesler coming into the 2011/2012 season, having played the best hockey of his career during the Canucks’ run to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final. Last regular season, he tallied 73 points in 82 games, scoring a career high 41 goals and 32 assists. He followed up his stellar regular season play with an equally impressive post season notching 19 points (7 goals and 12 assists) in 25 games. Unfortunately, the reigning Selke Champion was unable to build off his milestone year.

After having to miss the start of the 2011/2012 season (while recovering from off-season hip surgery) his rushed return to the line-up and depleted point production (49 points in 77 regular season games) left a lot to be desired. Kesler’s sombre play carried on into the playoffs where he suffered a five game goalless drought, triggering suspicion from fans, media, and management about his capacity to elevate his game when needed most. Also, recent news of him undergoing successful shoulder surgery (making this his third major surgery in five years) raised questions about Kesler’s resilience and ability to stay healthy to battle for a Stanley Cup.

In a conference call for having just signed an extension with the club, Head Coach, Alain Vigneault went on record to say that he did not believe Kesler’s shoulder injury was an excuse for his disappointing season. Vigneault commented that while the team acknowledged the injury would require off-season surgery, ” [it] was not, in our mind, the reason for his diminished production”(x). Vigneault then boldly stated that Kesler himself would agree, insisting “I’m sure if you were to ask him, the injury wasn’t the reason his production fell” (x).

The speedy winger’s agent, Kurt Overhardt, responded by assuring that while not commenting on the situation, Ryan was “obviously frustrated by it because he [was] trying to do the best thing for the club” (x). Overhardt went on to support his client, arguing “I don’t think anyone questions how committed Ryan is to being the best he can be” (x) to help the team win. Overhardt explained “[i]t was very frustrating for Ryan that he wasn’t 100 per cent…[because of] how it impacted his ability to help his team succeed. He’s all about winning, He’s that simple” (x).

Overhardt ultimately challenged Vigneault’s claim that Kesler’s injury was not responsible for his atypical play this season, recognizing that his client is capable of much more and only a severe injury could prevent him from achieving his goal of winning it all. Canucks assistant General Manager, Laurence Gilman agrees, noting Kesler’s “productivity was down so you would assume he wasn’t playing to the level that he normally would have” and goes on to say that “Ryan wanted to keep playing “ (x). It is then this desire for Kesler to do all too much (and not, not enough, like Vigneault implied), that is the issue.

Kesler does have a history of doing whatever it takes to get back into action to try and help his team win, including rushing recoveries from injuries. But given his recent comments after his successful shoulder surgery last month, it is clear that he has learned that the best way to help his team is to assure that he is fully healed before returning to the line-up. Canucks fans should find confidence in the the fact Kesler has admitted that the recovery process is going to take six months and the All-Star insists, “I’m not going to come back early….I’m not coming back until I’m 110 percent when I know I’m ready and able to play my game” (x).

The Olympian eradicates any remaining doubt of whether he will take the time to fully recover by asserting that his doctor, Anthony Miniaci, will not release him until he is at full strength and regains mobility (x). Kesler added “I’m doing rehab two or three times a week with my therapist, and rehab on my own every day to get my range of motion back slowly…I’m not going to rush anything ”(x). Slowly, is the keyword that should have Canucks’ management and fans alike sighing in relief, because even Ryan Kesler’s biggest critics know that there is no stopping the man infamous for opting to have his shattered finger cut off in lieu of missing a playoff game, when he’s at his best. Kesler’s valiance and drive to win assures that once fully healed he will come back better than ever, especially since skeptics of the Selke Champion have now given him a point to prove.

Let's have a laugh! (Photo: hockeyfun/tumblr)

In which the Canucks writers extend a ‘Congratulations’ to Coach Alain Vigneault for signing a contract extension with the Vancouver Canucks!

In honour of Coach V coming back to Vancouver; here are some of our favourite moments of our sassy coach from this year!

1: Coach V has a laugh:

2: Coach V on After Hours where he talks about Cory Schneider’s impression of him (3:30).

In addition, Canucks dot com provides us with a Frozen Moments: Alain Vigneault album.

Congratulations Coach V and we’ll see you next year!

(Photo:VancityAllie/Flickr)

The expected wave of criticism surrounding the Canucks and their disappointing early exit from the playoffs this season is in full force. Critics and fans alike have heeded every opportunity to lay the blame and find reasons for why a team favoured to win it all this year was eliminated just five games into the post-season. Everyone from the likes of General Manager, Mike Gillis, to players including Ryan Kesler, David Booth, Chris Higgins, and Alexandre Burrows have been targeted for the team’s inability to advance past the first round. Scrutiny following the team’s elimination by the LA Kings has not escaped Head Coach Alain Vigneault either, despite him having lead the team to two back-to-back President’s trophies and its fifth North-West division title in six years.

Frustrated fans have criticized Vigneault for everything from his constant line juggling to benching certain players, and allotting excessive ice time to underachievers. While he may be a scapegoat for those looking to incriminate someone for the Canucks’ disheartening end to the season, Mike Gillis recognizes just how valuable Vigneault is to the team. Gillis assures that he is proud of what the Canucks have accomplished in the the last few years under Vigneault and is confident in wanting to keep him behind the bench. Gillis explains, “I feel very comfortable with Alain as a coach…He’s done an excellent job, and I don’t know why you wouldn’t want somebody back that has done an excellent job and has the results to show for it” (x). Gillis, who won General Manager of the Year at the 2011 NHL Awards, has nothing but praise for Vigneault, who became the Canucks’ winningest coach in franchise history early this season after recording his 247^th win.

Vigneault’s biggest critics never fail to point out that he has yet to bring a Stanley Cup to Vancouver, but tend to overlook the simple fact that he has shown that he has what it takes to win. In his six years as Head Coach, Vigneault has brought five North-West division titles, two President’s trophies, and a Western Conference championship to Vancouver. Vigneault has also been a finalist for the Jack Adam’s award as, NHL Coach of the Year, three times in his career, winning the award in 2007. The Quebec City native’s winning ways are also reflected in the individual successes of certain Canucks such as Ryan Kesler (Selke Trophy), Henrik Sedin (Art Ross and Hart trophies), Daniel Sedin (Art Ross and Ted Lindsay trophies), Roberto Luongo, and Cory Schneider (William Jenning’s Trophy) who have excelled under his coaching system.

Although Vigneault’s system and methods may be unconventional, his track record of success speaks for itself. After all, it was Vigneault, amidst his line-juggling, that placed Alexandre Burrows, a hard-nosed, grinder on a line with offensive minded, Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Since then the unexpected trio has been proven to be one of the best top lines in the NHL. In Vigneault, the team has a coach that thinks outside of the box and will not hesitate to conjure up new strategies to assure victory. His atypical coaching style also keeps the opposition guessing and envious of what he may think of next. So with just one year remaining on Vigneault’s current deal, it is no surprise that Mike Gillis has said that securing AV’s spot behind the Canucks bench for years to come is “the first thing on [his] agenda” this off-season (x). Gillis also confirms that Vigneault would like to stay the Canucks’ bench boss, having “made every indication that he does want to come back and coach this team” (x).

In the end, Alain Vigneault can not solely be held responsible for the Canucks pre-mature exit from a playoffs that has been far from convention, having seen both teams from the previous year’s finals eliminated in the first round. The Canucks abrupt end to the season is also not a reflection of AV’s coaching ability, having shown last June, after taking his team to within one win of a Stanley Cup, that he is equipped to go the distance. Gillis stands by Vigneault and notes that “having a good head coach is one reason [other teams are] envious” (x) of the Canucks. Gillis goes on to credit Vigneault’s accomplishments with the team and stresses the importance of maintaining him as Head Coach, explaining, “we [have] accomplished 98 percent of what we set out to do, and in those circumstances most people continue on and continue with the plan…to finish off the last two percent” (x). Clearly, with reason, that plan includes Alain Vigneault as Head Coach.

Fans should be reassured by the confidence Mike Gillis, the NHL’s reigning General Manager of the Year, has in Vigneault. They should keep faith in the fact that it is only a matter of time before the Canucks most winningest coach in franchise history rallies his troops and leads them to only thing left for him to win, the Stanley Cup. Remember Canucks fans, patience is a virtue.

(Photo: visentinempire/Tumblr)

Denmark may not be known for the sport of hockey, but the presence of Danish players within the Canucks organization is growing. Jannik Hansen admits that hockey ranks fifth as a national sport in Denmark behind soccer, tennis, hand-ball and gymnastics, but that has not hindered the Canucks from scouting strong Danish talent. Hansen, 26, drafted in 2004, is no longer the lone Danish player to dawn a Canucks jersey, joined now by fellow country man Nicklas Jensen.

Jensen, 19, selected 29^th overall in the 2011 NHL entry draft, has shown the potential to become a dominant power forward, having showcased his ability to score on every level he has played. He has extensive experience playing internationally, having represented Denmark in the World Junior Championships (U18 and U20) from 2009-2012. And despite being drafted only last year, Jensen has also picked up a plethora of valuable North American playing experience since last July.

After having an impressive training camp with the Canucks, in which he received accolades from head coach Alain Vigneault, Jensen went on to play the season with his junior team, the OHL’s Oshawa Generals, tallying 58 points (25Gs and 33A) in 57 games played. At the end of the Generals season, Jensen joined the Canucks AHL affiliate, the Chicago Wolves, playing in six regular season games (scoring four goals) and two playoffs games (scoring another two goals). Jensen’s ability to perform at a professional level with the Wolves exemplifies his capacity to elevate his game at any level and come up big in the clutch.

Jensen’s supreme scoring talent is not the only positive thing the young Dane has going for him that will assure a bright future with the Canucks. He has a level head, good attitude going forward, and is making the most of every opportunity he’s given to learn new things and further develop his game. Jensen knows that talent can only get you so far, and that one has to always be willing to perfect their craft. “ [I've been working on] playing a complete game and working on the defensive part [of my game] because it’s one of the main things you really have to work on to make it to the next level [and] be a part of the Canucks” (x) explains the prospect.

Jensen’s humility and willingness to learn has not gone unnoticed by the Canucks organization nor his fellow Dane, Hansen. Hansen acknowledges that the experience Jensen has gained in such a short time will benefit him in the long run, knowing that “there’s a lot of grooming that goes on [in North America by] playing a lot more games than you do back in Denmark” (x). Given Jensen’s exceptional play this season, Hansen (who was named Denmark’s player of the game in their opening game of IIHF World Hockey Championships) was expecting Jensen to join him at the tournament. Unfortunately, Jensen was unable to join team Denmark due to a concussion he received during his second playoff game with the Chicago Wolves.

While Jensen may have not had the opportunity to play beside Hansen at the 2012 World Hockey Championships, his dedication to the game,constant strive to be better and ambition to apply new knowledge will assure his place on the Canucks roster next to his fellow country man for many years to come. Meaning, sooner rather than later, Jannik Hansen may not be the only Great Dane excelling in Canucks blue.