Author Archive for Kevin Vanstone
Kevin Vanstone is a long time sports fan and Canucks die hard from White Rock, British Columbia. He is currently attending the University of Victoria pursuing a Writing degree, and in his spare time writes about all things Canucks hockey as well as news and notes from around the NHL.
The Flying 5: Canucks Host Blue Jackets in Lapierre Debut
Tonight the Canucks begin the last leg of the regular season with their final roster in what is the debut of Maxim Lapierre.
Addition without Subtraction: Canucks Add Lapierre, Higgins at Deadline
In a year when most were prepared for a slow and steady trade deadline day in Vancouver, Mike Gillis pulled off not one but two worthy transactions Monday. Gillis addressed two nagging concerns with the league leading Canucks, adding a fourth line center in Maxim Lapierre along with prospect Macgregor Sharp as well as adding [...]
Canucks at the Deadline: Making the Case for an Enforcer
To trade or not to trade, that is the question facing GM Mike Gillis in what has become one of the more interesting weeks on the NHL calendar.
In Violent NHL, Respect Biggest Reason for Concussion Rise
In any sport, injury is destined to occur. Some sports are more violent and dangerous than others; however all involve a certain amount of risk when being played. From your intramural soccer game to the NHL, injuries can occur at any time and become more and more likely as the competition level rises.
Hodgson Debut Highlights Canucks Return to Action
The wait is over for the Canucks top prospect to dull his skates in his first ever NHL regular season game.
Canucks In Place for Spring Success After Big First Half of Season
Through 42 regular season games the Vancouver Canucks are well on their way to the 2011 Stanley Cup Playoffs.
Red Wings Host Canucks in Battle for Wild West Supremacy
In the wild Western Conference in which nine points separates first place and first to the tee, there is no easy game on the schedule. The Vancouver Canucks enter Joe Louis Arena tonight on a hot streak, 9-1-1 in their last eleven games, yet the talented Red Wings who have struggled of late remain above [...]
Kesler’s Hat Trick Shreds Blue Jackets in Canucks OT Win
Heading into the 2011 season the Vancouver Canucks were forced to decide between Ryan Kesler and Henrik Sedin as captain. While the decision to name Henrik Sedin became the worst kept secret in hockey, runner up Ryan Kesler has proven this season he too would have been an excellent choice to lead the team as captain.
Naslund’s Night: Canucks Salute #19 vs. Lightning
It was the best of times; it was the worst of times. Markus Naslund’s career as a Vancouver Canuck displayed to the city a talent and offensive spark never seen before in a Canuck uniform. As the captain of the Canucks and driving force behind the West Coast Express, Naslund leadership and wrist shot were second to none. However in a city like Vancouver, scarred by defeat in 1994, the second round of the Stanley Cup Playoffs would never be enough for the smooth Swede called Nazzy.
Canucks Look to Extend Streak Versus Central Division Foe
Call it a statement game, call it a rivalry game, call it whatever you like. The Vancouver Canucks let their play do the talking Friday night, beating the Chicago Blackhawks in their own building on the way to a 3-0 victory. Tonight at Rogers Arena, the Canucks look to continue their strong play of late against another familiar rival, the St. Louis Blues.
“You Say 20 Games?” Canucks Review at the Quarter Mark
Through 20 games the Vancouver Canucks have shown flashes of what many regard as a Stanley Cup calibre team; however the reigning Northwest Division Champions have a lot to strive for at the quarter mark of the 2010 season, currently 8th in the western conference.
Slow Start Costs Canucks in Buffalo, Ballard to Return vs. Penguins
It was only a matter of time until the bad habit of giving up an early lead would cost the Vancouver Canucks.
Canucks Outgun Wings in Best of West Showdown
In a physical, high scoring affair the Vancouver Canucks proved to be too much for the Detroit Red Wings Saturday night at Rogers Arena.
Canucks Bury Avalanche, Rypien to Return Against Red Wings
Looking back, the Rick Rypien suspension may have been a blessing in disguise to the Vancouver Canucks.
Rypien Suspended, Canucks Look to Improve Versus Wild
Following Tuesday’s scuffle with a Minnesota Wild fan, Rick Rypien was has been suspended six games by the National Hockey League.
Canucks Call on Defensive Depth Facing Back-to-Back Road Games
Only five games into the regular season the Vancouver Canucks are already relying on the defensive depth Mike Gillis acquired over the off season in order to fill holes in the Canucks top six. After Sami Salo’s infamous off season Floorball injury sidelined him for what may be entire 2010-11 season, defenceman Keith Ballard (Concussion) [...]
Canucks Search for Secondary Scoring; Revenge Against Kings
After only three regular season games, The Vancouver Canucks have yet to put together the same solid sixty minute performance that became their blueprint for success last season. Having won three out of a possible six points over their first three games, the Canucks are looking for consistency throughout all four lines tonight against the LA Kings, who spoiled the Canucks season opener last weekend.
Opening Night: A Bar Patron’s Guide to the 2010-11 Vancouver Canucks
Last Spring the Canucks post season party was ended early for the second straight year by the Chicago Blackhawks. Tonight the Vancouver Canucks are looking celebrate their 40th season in style with a victory, however this season will only likely only be a success if the Canucks earn the right to host the Stanley Cup as guest of honour at season’s end.
Salary Cap Claims O’Brien, Hordichuk as Gillis Continues Canucks Cap Crunch
In two seasons in Vancouver, Shane O’Brien’s tough play and colourful character lead the defenceman from Port Hope, Ontario to become a fan favourite amongst Canucks fans; however as a frequent resident of Alain Vigneault’s dog house, O’Brien was skating on slightly thinner ice than many of his teammates.
Fighting for Your Life: 5 Stories to Watch During Canucks Pre-Season
Who better than the Calgary Flames to renew acquaintances with in a double city, double header to open the 2011 pre-season.
