The History of the Vancouver Canucks
The Vancouver Canucks are an NHL hockey franchise that joined the National Hockey League as an expansion team in 1970. This post will discuss the History of the Vancouver Canucks.
Expansion
The Vancouver Canucks entered the NHL in 1970. It was not until the 1974-75 season that they made the Stanley Cup Playoffs. The Canucks would make the playoffs 5 times in their first 11 seasons prior to their first trip to the Stanley Cup finals.
1982 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The 1981-82 season marked the Canucks first run to the Stanley Cup Finals. Even though they finished with a regular season record under .500, the Canucks put together a fabulous and historic playoff run in which they beat the Calgary Flames, Los Angeles Kings, and Chicago Blackhawks before losing in the finals to the New York Islanders in 4 straight games. During this cup run the Canucks established the "Towel Power" tradition that has been copied by almost every fan base in the entire league.
1994 Stanley Cup Playoffs
The Canucks spent the next 9 seasons with losing records. In 1992-93 they posted their first winning season in 16 years. Followed by another winning record and a second consecutive Smythe division win in 1993-94. A season in which the Canucks returned to the Stanley Cup finals for the second time in their history. The Canucks defeated the Calgary Flames, Dallas Stars, and Toronto Maple Leafs before losing a heartbreaking 7 game series to the New York Rangers. Star player Pavel Bure and goalie Kirk McLean provided Vancouver fans with highlight reel goals and saves while the effort and determination of team captain and fan favorite Trevor Linden will live long in the hearts of Canucks fans.
West Coast Express
After another long dip in success the Canucks returned to being a Stanley Cup contender in the 2000-01 season with the emergence of the "West Coast Express", their top line consisting of Markus Naslund, Todd Bertuzzi and BC boy Brendan Morrison. This team enjoyed much success during regular seasons and made 4 consecutive trips to the playoffs only to fall in either the first or second round each time.
Post-Lockout Canucks
The Canucks returned to their losing ways for 2 of the next 4 seasons after the NHL lockout in 2004-05. They enjoyed success with new star goaltender Roberto Luongo and Swedish twins Daniel and Henrik Sedin reaching the second round of the playoffs in both 2006-07 and 2008-09 finishing first in the Northwest division both years.
Uniforms and Logos
The Vancouver Canucks have gone through many uniform and logo changes over the years. Here is a look at all the different jerseys worn by Vancouver Canuck teams since their inception in to the NHL in 1970.
Arenas
Two arenas in the Vancouver area have been home to the Canucks. The Pacific Coliseum, completed in 1968, was their home until the opening of state of the art GM Place in downtown Vancouver in 1995.
Notable Players
- Orland Kurtenbach
- Stan Smyl
- Pavel Bure
- Trevor Linden
- Markus Naslund
- Todd Bertuzzi
- Roberto Luongo
- Daniel Sedin
- Henrik Sedin
Canuck Place
Canuck Place Children’s Hospice provides specialized care for children living with life-threatening illness and support for their families throughout BC. The Vancouver Canucks organization and their players play a huge role in the lives of these children.
Links
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This post on the History of the Vancouver Canucks was written by Simon Vreeswijk of Stikky Media Internet Marketing
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