Stick in Rink
Anger Highlights
Let me tell you, it's been a fun 24 hours for my phone, Facebook and e-mail.
Text from: Shawn
Gillis is a tool and we're fucked. Seriously, I know how Toronto fans feel now.
Text from: Shawn
[some lame excuse about Cirque]
Lookin forward to Tavares?
MC says:
ARE YOU HAPPY????
[Note: I don't actually know what this was about. I'm assuming I was getting a drunken message, much like the one I left him 4 weeks ago, though for a very different reason.]
m a y says:
I'M SO DEPRESSED I'M DRINKING
I said, "Hey, how's it going?"
"WE'RE FUCKED," said Shawn as a greeting.
A's MSN name:
Bye Naslund, you're a hero—brb, off killing myself
On Facebook's stalker feed:
9 of your friends commented on the note Top 10 Consequences of Markus Naslund leaving town by MC.
Three friends crammed into our secret drinking spot at UBC, clinking our bottles of Granville Island beer together in a salute to Markus Naslund.
Text from: Shawn
Gillis is a tool and we're fucked. Seriously, I know how Toronto fans feel now.
Text from: Shawn
[some lame excuse about Cirque]
Lookin forward to Tavares?
MC says:
ARE YOU HAPPY????
[Note: I don't actually know what this was about. I'm assuming I was getting a drunken message, much like the one I left him 4 weeks ago, though for a very different reason.]
m a y says:
I'M SO DEPRESSED I'M DRINKING
I said, "Hey, how's it going?"
"WE'RE FUCKED," said Shawn as a greeting.
A's MSN name:
Bye Naslund, you're a hero—brb, off killing myself
On Facebook's stalker feed:
9 of your friends commented on the note Top 10 Consequences of Markus Naslund leaving town by MC.
Three friends crammed into our secret drinking spot at UBC, clinking our bottles of Granville Island beer together in a salute to Markus Naslund.
Categories: Canucks Bloggers
Are we in crisis mode yet?
Fan-fucking-tastic.
Every time I check my phone or e-mail, it's more ANGER.
The latest? Markus Naslund signs a 2-year, 8-million-dollar deal with NYR.
Before that?
Great depth signings—but we're not at the stage right now where we have the luxury of signing for depth.
You know what would be nice? How about a winger for the twins? But wait, Hossa's now signed with the Wings. How about a legit top 6 centre? Except that Sundin's not in and Demitra, widely tipped to be pretty much a sure thing to sign in Vancouver, still isn't signed to anywhere.
I'm trying to breathe here, but the Canucks aren't giving me anything.
I'm starting to be reminded of the "glory" "days" of Keenan and Messier and trainwrecks. When your captain, the one person I thought would be a sure signing, cuts and runs for greener pastures, you know there are troubles ahead. He knew Gillis very well, so this isn't a vote of confidence for the way the man is steering the ship.
Like a friend said to me today, maybe Naslund knew that Gillis would make a terrible GM. BECAUSE HE'S AN AGENT WITHOUT A BACKGROUND IN LAW.
Of course, it's too early to declare doom. I'm just saying—Gillis is slowly starting to run out of options. But then again, maybe this is the "successful" team that Aquilini had in mind. Except you're alone on that one, Francesco.
DaBomb101 wrote:
Gillis has 1 day to be stupid and he chooses julyl 1st
Every time I check my phone or e-mail, it's more ANGER.
The latest? Markus Naslund signs a 2-year, 8-million-dollar deal with NYR.
Before that?
Great depth signings—but we're not at the stage right now where we have the luxury of signing for depth.
You know what would be nice? How about a winger for the twins? But wait, Hossa's now signed with the Wings. How about a legit top 6 centre? Except that Sundin's not in and Demitra, widely tipped to be pretty much a sure thing to sign in Vancouver, still isn't signed to anywhere.
I'm trying to breathe here, but the Canucks aren't giving me anything.
I'm starting to be reminded of the "glory" "days" of Keenan and Messier and trainwrecks. When your captain, the one person I thought would be a sure signing, cuts and runs for greener pastures, you know there are troubles ahead. He knew Gillis very well, so this isn't a vote of confidence for the way the man is steering the ship.
Like a friend said to me today, maybe Naslund knew that Gillis would make a terrible GM. BECAUSE HE'S AN AGENT WITHOUT A BACKGROUND IN LAW.
Of course, it's too early to declare doom. I'm just saying—Gillis is slowly starting to run out of options. But then again, maybe this is the "successful" team that Aquilini had in mind. Except you're alone on that one, Francesco.
DaBomb101 wrote:
Gillis has 1 day to be stupid and he chooses julyl 1st
Categories: Canucks Bloggers
The Sunday Edition: Cabbie on the Street
Featuring Kevin Weekes, GOALTENDER OF THE FUTURE.
Categories: Canucks Bloggers
2007 IIHF U20 Canada vs USA Shootout
Watching the football shootout between Spain and Italy, I suddenly had a craving to watch this video, which is a damn classic and was a fun-as-hell Christmas treat.
Categories: Canucks Bloggers
The Sunday Edition: Draft Day Frustration
d vo604 wrote:
GOD AQUILLINI IS A DUMBASS
MISSES OUT ON BRUNNSTROM GETS A ROOKIE GM AND NOW NO1 WANTS TO TRADE CUZ THEY ALL WANNA FLEECE THE ROOKSTERMr X wrote:
Burrows still can't skate. He just stopped falling down every two strides. [Isabella's note: It's funny cause it's true.]leo2892 wrote:
With Hodgson's wicked wrist shot, high hockey IQ, and clutch ability he's anything BUT another Nathan Smith.
Mr X wrote:
Let's just hope we don't find Hodgson running down Granville at 2 am naked in two years… then we'll be sure he's not another Nathan SmithMillerdraft wrote:
LOVE IT! So many whiners. Another Kesler? Fine by me. Twelve Keslers and Luongo? No one's gonna score on us.own goal wrote:
cody hodgson is a real person and im pretty sure patrick white is just some guy nonis made up
GOD AQUILLINI IS A DUMBASS
MISSES OUT ON BRUNNSTROM GETS A ROOKIE GM AND NOW NO1 WANTS TO TRADE CUZ THEY ALL WANNA FLEECE THE ROOKSTERMr X wrote:
Burrows still can't skate. He just stopped falling down every two strides. [Isabella's note: It's funny cause it's true.]leo2892 wrote:
With Hodgson's wicked wrist shot, high hockey IQ, and clutch ability he's anything BUT another Nathan Smith.
Mr X wrote:
Let's just hope we don't find Hodgson running down Granville at 2 am naked in two years… then we'll be sure he's not another Nathan SmithMillerdraft wrote:
LOVE IT! So many whiners. Another Kesler? Fine by me. Twelve Keslers and Luongo? No one's gonna score on us.own goal wrote:
cody hodgson is a real person and im pretty sure patrick white is just some guy nonis made up
Categories: Canucks Bloggers
Where did 20 years ago?
Trevor Linden officially retires.
Today is 20 years to the day that Trevor Linden was selected in the 1st round, 2nd overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft.
"Today is an emotional and exciting day for me as an athlete and a person," said Linden. "It closes one chapter of my life, my playing career, while opening up another which I am very much looking forward to. The game of hockey has been good to me and I would like to thank my family, former teammates, coaches, managers, support staff and the incredible fans that have been so generous in their support of my career."
"Trevor has been a tremendous player, leader and ambassador for our club and our city for two decades," said Chris Zimmerman, President and CEO, Canucks Sports & Entertainment. "His contribution to our team both on and off of the ice, his efforts in our community and his connection with our loyal fans is very special. I have never seen a professional athlete have such a significant impact on a city and province as much as Trevor has had during his illustrious career as a Canuck. Trevor truly epitomizes the phrase Forever a Canuck."
In his press conference, Trev sounded choked up, but he read out his statement, emphasizing the day he came home. He said that when he got the call from Burke that he was on his way back, he was concerned that it wouldn't be the same. He had 10 special years in Vancouver, and he didn't know if those years could be as good. They weren't, he said—they were even better.
Trev thanked his wife and his family; thanked the fans in the rink, on the street; thanked the people at the game on April 5th and said that "it should have been me saluting you"; thanked Quinn "for being like a father"; the Griffiths family "for showing me the way"; Burke, Nonis, Tambellini and Bob McCammond for giving him every opportunity; McCaw and the Aquilini family; Don Meehan for his guidance; his junior GM; the training staff (named them all); T.C.; Peter Twist, for telling him every year that he was just hitting his prime; Stan Smyl for 20 years of friendship in the organization; Ohlie for not taking his own room when he could have; Eric Brewer, Brendan Morrison and Saku Koivu for being good friends; his teammates last year and over the years "for making this game the best game in the world."
Really, though. Where did 20 years go?
I was a Trevor Linden fan long before I was a Canuck or a hockey fan. He embodies everything I love about this franchise and about this game.
Thank you for 20 amazing years.
Questions from the press conference:
Was it difficult to have so much attention on him?—Don't think so. When playing in Medicine Hat and in junior, you're exposed to a bit of that. In the early days, he wanted to be that guy, looked forward to that. Probably took on a little too much at times. Nothing better than playing in a Canadian city and being expected and counted on and when things go well, that's great, when things don't, you answer the questions.
How would you like to be remembered?—Difficult q. Wanted to be a guy who worked/tried hard and did what was right. Always felt v. fortunate to do something he loved and to be be part of the great fraternity of the NHL. When you have those opportunities you try to do the right thing.
Can you explain why people like you?—(This is a stupid question by a guy named Perry.) He came here as an 18 year old right out of h.s., and he kind of grew up here. People saw him come here as a young boy and mature and he thinks they got to know him, and that might explain a bit of the connection. But to him it's truly an honour. Met some of these kids named Linden and they're getting a little old now-some of them are in high school. That's maybe a sign that it's time to move on.
Highlights?—Playing first NHL game, getting drafted, winning series against TO., game 6 against the Rangers (today's anniv), the last game. There's a lot of Hall of Fame superstar players that have played baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Doesn't consider himself one of those and they don't get that kind of reception for their last game. Feels v overwhelmed and truly blessed.
Do you want to be remembered more as the hockey player or the person?—When he came to the team, the Griffiths family had a very clear idea of how they wanted the team to be like. Quinn and Burke pioneered how pro teams should be responsible in their community, same with Griffiths family. Griffiths expected people to be professional and play well in arena, but also expected them to be part of the community and really set the tone. Not one or the other because the obligation and the pressure is to be responsible and make a difference. To make a difference isn't difficult to do. It's the package that you'd want any player who came to the org to have.
Any thoughts of running for mayor?—No, he hasn't, despite what some of his teammates might have said at various times. Never say never, but it's not something he envisioned himself doing. Right now he feels that it's time to feel out where his heart is.
What did you go through to come the decision of retiring?—After his last game, he got a pretty good hint from the fans that, "Thanks a lot, but it's time to move on." Just took some time after this season, always looking for that thought/feeling that it's not right [to retire], and he never got that. Then he contacted his dentist and once you do that as a hockey player, you realise that you're not coming back again—he spent hours getting his teeth fixed. As a player, you always get your teeth fixed temporarily. Once you make that call to the dentist you've made the choice in your head. Just as Morrison. This visit was made a few weeks ago.
Can you compare leaving Vancouver for the first time to leaving hockey this time?—Different circumstance altogether. This has been fantastic for him, been a pro athlete for 20 years and very thankful for that. It's the right time and he feels very-mentally, he feels that he's got everything out that he could and it's time to look to other things and he's looking forward to that.
Do you remember the emotions you had when you came in?—Feels like forever ago, sometimes just yesterday. Most times forever ago. What he remembered most about that first season was telling [agent] Meehan, "Get it done, do whatever you have to, I just want to play" (he had to sign before a certain deadline in order to play in the NHL for that season). He just really wanted to perform and perform well, knew there were a lot of expectations on him. Singularly focused on playing hockey. Pretty special time for him.
Can you talk about 94 and some of the emotions and memories?—It was a great time in his career, his 6th season and they had a very strong team the year before. Pat did a great job of assembling a great group, made a great trade with the deadlines, Kirk played extremely well, Geoff Courtnall, Pavel, Sergio, Cliff-a really good team that came together at the right time. An amazing spring. The weather was great. The city was electric and it was a lot of fun.
Has Van ownership offered you a position with the team post-hockey?—A few conversations with Chris Zimmerman and Francesco, very general. Had those conversations and for Trev, they'll continue having them. But like he said, to get perspective on anything, you need to distance yourself from everything and for him, that may be the best thing. He thinks that time will kind of sort things out on where his heart lies and the direction he sees his future going. To do that and do it fairly, you have to take some time.
Can you see yourself not being involved in hockey?—It's a possibility. Two tracks you can go: Stay in the game that you love and know, that you've been part of for 20-25 years, and another part that says you may have something else that you have a passion for and love doing. It's going to take some time to figure out but he intends on doing that.
How could you always find it in yourself to visit sick and dying kids?—It was difficult especially early in his career. Got a lot of help from Brenda Eng, the driving force behind Canuck Place. She kind of taught him how to deal with those situations and that was helpful. Like Dean [his brother] said a long time ago, you have an amazing gift to make a difference, and they talked about how he's a great guy, but he can't walk into a room and make a difference. But Trev can, so Dean urged him to use it. When you're visiting children like that, you don't get a lot out of them, but you hear from the parents that you made such a huge difference. Obviously nice to hear, but anything you can do to help out is an obligation, he thinks most guys do. Hockey players are such a great fraternity and they make big differences.
I think a question about football?—Netherlands won the other day and that didn't make him popular with his in-laws. He's going to go away for a few weeks and do some cycling in Europe, maybe catch a game.
How do you feel about leaving hockey without a championship ring?—Obviously when you come into this game, for him, his only goal was to win a ring and a cup. Opportunity in 94 and lost in game 7. Turns out it was the best chance he had and you kind of know that when you're going through it, and you kind of know that it's the only chance you have. It's not something you dwell on, certainly he would have loved to be part of a championship team here in Vancouver, but he performed as well as he could and tried to do what was right, but it's a tough game, a tough sport, and it takes a lot of things to go right.
Today is 20 years to the day that Trevor Linden was selected in the 1st round, 2nd overall by the Vancouver Canucks in the 1988 NHL Entry Draft.
"Today is an emotional and exciting day for me as an athlete and a person," said Linden. "It closes one chapter of my life, my playing career, while opening up another which I am very much looking forward to. The game of hockey has been good to me and I would like to thank my family, former teammates, coaches, managers, support staff and the incredible fans that have been so generous in their support of my career."
"Trevor has been a tremendous player, leader and ambassador for our club and our city for two decades," said Chris Zimmerman, President and CEO, Canucks Sports & Entertainment. "His contribution to our team both on and off of the ice, his efforts in our community and his connection with our loyal fans is very special. I have never seen a professional athlete have such a significant impact on a city and province as much as Trevor has had during his illustrious career as a Canuck. Trevor truly epitomizes the phrase Forever a Canuck."
In his press conference, Trev sounded choked up, but he read out his statement, emphasizing the day he came home. He said that when he got the call from Burke that he was on his way back, he was concerned that it wouldn't be the same. He had 10 special years in Vancouver, and he didn't know if those years could be as good. They weren't, he said—they were even better.
Trev thanked his wife and his family; thanked the fans in the rink, on the street; thanked the people at the game on April 5th and said that "it should have been me saluting you"; thanked Quinn "for being like a father"; the Griffiths family "for showing me the way"; Burke, Nonis, Tambellini and Bob McCammond for giving him every opportunity; McCaw and the Aquilini family; Don Meehan for his guidance; his junior GM; the training staff (named them all); T.C.; Peter Twist, for telling him every year that he was just hitting his prime; Stan Smyl for 20 years of friendship in the organization; Ohlie for not taking his own room when he could have; Eric Brewer, Brendan Morrison and Saku Koivu for being good friends; his teammates last year and over the years "for making this game the best game in the world."
Really, though. Where did 20 years go?
I was a Trevor Linden fan long before I was a Canuck or a hockey fan. He embodies everything I love about this franchise and about this game.
Thank you for 20 amazing years.
Questions from the press conference:
Was it difficult to have so much attention on him?—Don't think so. When playing in Medicine Hat and in junior, you're exposed to a bit of that. In the early days, he wanted to be that guy, looked forward to that. Probably took on a little too much at times. Nothing better than playing in a Canadian city and being expected and counted on and when things go well, that's great, when things don't, you answer the questions.
How would you like to be remembered?—Difficult q. Wanted to be a guy who worked/tried hard and did what was right. Always felt v. fortunate to do something he loved and to be be part of the great fraternity of the NHL. When you have those opportunities you try to do the right thing.
Can you explain why people like you?—(This is a stupid question by a guy named Perry.) He came here as an 18 year old right out of h.s., and he kind of grew up here. People saw him come here as a young boy and mature and he thinks they got to know him, and that might explain a bit of the connection. But to him it's truly an honour. Met some of these kids named Linden and they're getting a little old now-some of them are in high school. That's maybe a sign that it's time to move on.
Highlights?—Playing first NHL game, getting drafted, winning series against TO., game 6 against the Rangers (today's anniv), the last game. There's a lot of Hall of Fame superstar players that have played baseball, football, basketball, hockey. Doesn't consider himself one of those and they don't get that kind of reception for their last game. Feels v overwhelmed and truly blessed.
Do you want to be remembered more as the hockey player or the person?—When he came to the team, the Griffiths family had a very clear idea of how they wanted the team to be like. Quinn and Burke pioneered how pro teams should be responsible in their community, same with Griffiths family. Griffiths expected people to be professional and play well in arena, but also expected them to be part of the community and really set the tone. Not one or the other because the obligation and the pressure is to be responsible and make a difference. To make a difference isn't difficult to do. It's the package that you'd want any player who came to the org to have.
Any thoughts of running for mayor?—No, he hasn't, despite what some of his teammates might have said at various times. Never say never, but it's not something he envisioned himself doing. Right now he feels that it's time to feel out where his heart is.
What did you go through to come the decision of retiring?—After his last game, he got a pretty good hint from the fans that, "Thanks a lot, but it's time to move on." Just took some time after this season, always looking for that thought/feeling that it's not right [to retire], and he never got that. Then he contacted his dentist and once you do that as a hockey player, you realise that you're not coming back again—he spent hours getting his teeth fixed. As a player, you always get your teeth fixed temporarily. Once you make that call to the dentist you've made the choice in your head. Just as Morrison. This visit was made a few weeks ago.
Can you compare leaving Vancouver for the first time to leaving hockey this time?—Different circumstance altogether. This has been fantastic for him, been a pro athlete for 20 years and very thankful for that. It's the right time and he feels very-mentally, he feels that he's got everything out that he could and it's time to look to other things and he's looking forward to that.
Do you remember the emotions you had when you came in?—Feels like forever ago, sometimes just yesterday. Most times forever ago. What he remembered most about that first season was telling [agent] Meehan, "Get it done, do whatever you have to, I just want to play" (he had to sign before a certain deadline in order to play in the NHL for that season). He just really wanted to perform and perform well, knew there were a lot of expectations on him. Singularly focused on playing hockey. Pretty special time for him.
Can you talk about 94 and some of the emotions and memories?—It was a great time in his career, his 6th season and they had a very strong team the year before. Pat did a great job of assembling a great group, made a great trade with the deadlines, Kirk played extremely well, Geoff Courtnall, Pavel, Sergio, Cliff-a really good team that came together at the right time. An amazing spring. The weather was great. The city was electric and it was a lot of fun.
Has Van ownership offered you a position with the team post-hockey?—A few conversations with Chris Zimmerman and Francesco, very general. Had those conversations and for Trev, they'll continue having them. But like he said, to get perspective on anything, you need to distance yourself from everything and for him, that may be the best thing. He thinks that time will kind of sort things out on where his heart lies and the direction he sees his future going. To do that and do it fairly, you have to take some time.
Can you see yourself not being involved in hockey?—It's a possibility. Two tracks you can go: Stay in the game that you love and know, that you've been part of for 20-25 years, and another part that says you may have something else that you have a passion for and love doing. It's going to take some time to figure out but he intends on doing that.
How could you always find it in yourself to visit sick and dying kids?—It was difficult especially early in his career. Got a lot of help from Brenda Eng, the driving force behind Canuck Place. She kind of taught him how to deal with those situations and that was helpful. Like Dean [his brother] said a long time ago, you have an amazing gift to make a difference, and they talked about how he's a great guy, but he can't walk into a room and make a difference. But Trev can, so Dean urged him to use it. When you're visiting children like that, you don't get a lot out of them, but you hear from the parents that you made such a huge difference. Obviously nice to hear, but anything you can do to help out is an obligation, he thinks most guys do. Hockey players are such a great fraternity and they make big differences.
I think a question about football?—Netherlands won the other day and that didn't make him popular with his in-laws. He's going to go away for a few weeks and do some cycling in Europe, maybe catch a game.
How do you feel about leaving hockey without a championship ring?—Obviously when you come into this game, for him, his only goal was to win a ring and a cup. Opportunity in 94 and lost in game 7. Turns out it was the best chance he had and you kind of know that when you're going through it, and you kind of know that it's the only chance you have. It's not something you dwell on, certainly he would have loved to be part of a championship team here in Vancouver, but he performed as well as he could and tried to do what was right, but it's a tough game, a tough sport, and it takes a lot of things to go right.
Categories: Canucks Bloggers
Trevor freakin' Linden
He's set to announce his retirement tomorrow.
Excuse me while I try to drown myself in the shower.
Canucks forward Trevor Linden to announce retirement after 19 NHL seasons
VANCOUVER — Trevor Linden, who led the Vancouver Canucks to Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup final and helped guide the NHL Players' Association through a one-year lockout, has decided to retire after 19 seasons.
Linden, 38, will make the announcement Wednesday at a news conference at GM Place, a source told The Canadian Press.
Vancouver selected Linden second overall in the 1988 NHL draft and he went on to play 16 seasons for the Canucks.
The six-foot-four, 215-pound forward holds the Canuck record with 415 assists. His 318 goals are second only to captain Markus Naslund.
In 1,382 NHL games, the native of Medicine Hat, Alta., scored 375 goals, added 492 assists and collected 867 penalty minutes. He also had 34 goals and 65 assists in 124 playoff games.
Once the backbone of the Canucks scoring attack, Linden took on more of a defensive role later in his career. He was a healthy scratch for 23 games last season where he scored seven goals and five assists in 59 games.
Linden remained one of the most popular Canuck players off the ice and was heavily involved in charities around Vancouver. He was appointed to the Order of British Columbia in 2003 in recognition of his services benefiting residents of the province.
In 1997 he received the King Clancy memorial trophy, given to the NHL player who exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice. This season he and Vincent Lecavalier of the Tampa Bay Lightning were named co-recipients of the 10th annual NHL Foundation Player Award in recognition of their commitment and service to charities in their communities.
Linden's final game with the Canucks, a 7-1 loss to Calgary in April, was an emotional affair. At the start of the third period players from both teams backed away from the centre ice circle before the puck drop so Linden could receive a standing ovation.
After the game Linden circled the ice and waved to the cheering crowd. Flames players came on the ice to shake his hand.
"For someone who doesn't like attention, it was a little difficult," Linden said at the time. "At the same time, it was a special night."
Linden led the Medicine Hat Tigers to consecutive Memorial Cup titles and also was a member of Canada's Olympic hockey team at the 1998 Nagano Winter Games.
He was the first Vancouver rookie to score 30 goals and was second to Brian Leetch in 1988-89 Calder Trophy voting. Linden was named the Canucks' youngest captain at age 21 at the start of the 1990-91 season. In 1994, the Canucks lost Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final to the New York Rangers.
As popular as Linden was in Vancouver he lived through some tough times.
The two-time all-star gave up being team captain when the Canucks signed Mark Messier as a free agent. Linden also clashed with coach Mike Keenan, resulting in him being traded to the New York Islanders in February 1998 in a deal that brought Todd Bertuzzi to Vancouver.
Linden would also play with Montreal and Washington before returning to the Canucks in a November 2001 trade.
During his career Linden scored five hat tricks. His best season in 1995-96, when he had 33 goals and 47 assists.
Linden also felt the public's wrath when he as the NHLPA president during the 2004-05 lockout season. He later was criticized by some players for the agreement reached with the league and his support of Ted Saskin, the union's former executive director.
Excuse me while I try to drown myself in the shower.
Canucks forward Trevor Linden to announce retirement after 19 NHL seasons
VANCOUVER — Trevor Linden, who led the Vancouver Canucks to Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup final and helped guide the NHL Players' Association through a one-year lockout, has decided to retire after 19 seasons.
Linden, 38, will make the announcement Wednesday at a news conference at GM Place, a source told The Canadian Press.
Vancouver selected Linden second overall in the 1988 NHL draft and he went on to play 16 seasons for the Canucks.
The six-foot-four, 215-pound forward holds the Canuck record with 415 assists. His 318 goals are second only to captain Markus Naslund.
In 1,382 NHL games, the native of Medicine Hat, Alta., scored 375 goals, added 492 assists and collected 867 penalty minutes. He also had 34 goals and 65 assists in 124 playoff games.
Once the backbone of the Canucks scoring attack, Linden took on more of a defensive role later in his career. He was a healthy scratch for 23 games last season where he scored seven goals and five assists in 59 games.
Linden remained one of the most popular Canuck players off the ice and was heavily involved in charities around Vancouver. He was appointed to the Order of British Columbia in 2003 in recognition of his services benefiting residents of the province.
In 1997 he received the King Clancy memorial trophy, given to the NHL player who exemplifies leadership qualities on and off the ice. This season he and Vincent Lecavalier of the Tampa Bay Lightning were named co-recipients of the 10th annual NHL Foundation Player Award in recognition of their commitment and service to charities in their communities.
Linden's final game with the Canucks, a 7-1 loss to Calgary in April, was an emotional affair. At the start of the third period players from both teams backed away from the centre ice circle before the puck drop so Linden could receive a standing ovation.
After the game Linden circled the ice and waved to the cheering crowd. Flames players came on the ice to shake his hand.
"For someone who doesn't like attention, it was a little difficult," Linden said at the time. "At the same time, it was a special night."
Linden led the Medicine Hat Tigers to consecutive Memorial Cup titles and also was a member of Canada's Olympic hockey team at the 1998 Nagano Winter Games.
He was the first Vancouver rookie to score 30 goals and was second to Brian Leetch in 1988-89 Calder Trophy voting. Linden was named the Canucks' youngest captain at age 21 at the start of the 1990-91 season. In 1994, the Canucks lost Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final to the New York Rangers.
As popular as Linden was in Vancouver he lived through some tough times.
The two-time all-star gave up being team captain when the Canucks signed Mark Messier as a free agent. Linden also clashed with coach Mike Keenan, resulting in him being traded to the New York Islanders in February 1998 in a deal that brought Todd Bertuzzi to Vancouver.
Linden would also play with Montreal and Washington before returning to the Canucks in a November 2001 trade.
During his career Linden scored five hat tricks. His best season in 1995-96, when he had 33 goals and 47 assists.
Linden also felt the public's wrath when he as the NHLPA president during the 2004-05 lockout season. He later was criticized by some players for the agreement reached with the league and his support of Ted Saskin, the union's former executive director.
Categories: Canucks Bloggers
The Sunday Edition: Good Old CDC
ENuck wrote:
Try 5. Why do people on this forum find it necessary to exaggerate things beyond all reason?
_Name_ wrote:
Because i caught a fish 1082319273867812311 Feet Long
Owned35 wrote:
Catfish Hunter?!? DID IT SMILE!?!?sam drucker wrote:
although it would be nice to see a few Moose games. There is no need for a "Leafs TV" type channel. The few times I have watched it makes me sick to think people actually waste their time watching this stuff.
How about a TV Guide for Canucks TV, a typical day
7AM How Many Eggs will Dave Nonis Eat Today?
730 Brendan Morrison Gets His Kids Ready for School
800 Will the Sedins have Eggs or Toast, and what type of toast
(Special 2 Hour Episode)
1000 Putting IKEA Furniture together with Mattias Ohlund(todays episode Bookshelves)
1030 Roberto Luongo Tapes his StickBingo_Bango wrote:
Who's StamKos?
Daybreak wrote:
Do you mean Stamos? JOHN STAMOS A CANUCK?!Flinch wrote:
The solution, obviously, is to watch games naked.
YaK wrote:
You may be right. Hello freedom!!SwedishSniper wrote:
If I got taken out of the game by a man like Trevor, I would die happy and satisifiedDaybreak wrote:
If I got taken out by Trevor Linden, I'd ask him to sign my castNHL_2K4 wrote:
What is the difference between Roberto Luongo and Dan Cloutier?
preston08 wrote:
Ethnicity, hair colour, skill level, current NHL team, salary.
Oh, and Luongo can't stand chow mein.
Try 5. Why do people on this forum find it necessary to exaggerate things beyond all reason?
_Name_ wrote:
Because i caught a fish 1082319273867812311 Feet Long
Owned35 wrote:
Catfish Hunter?!? DID IT SMILE!?!?sam drucker wrote:
although it would be nice to see a few Moose games. There is no need for a "Leafs TV" type channel. The few times I have watched it makes me sick to think people actually waste their time watching this stuff.
How about a TV Guide for Canucks TV, a typical day
7AM How Many Eggs will Dave Nonis Eat Today?
730 Brendan Morrison Gets His Kids Ready for School
800 Will the Sedins have Eggs or Toast, and what type of toast
(Special 2 Hour Episode)
1000 Putting IKEA Furniture together with Mattias Ohlund(todays episode Bookshelves)
1030 Roberto Luongo Tapes his StickBingo_Bango wrote:
Who's StamKos?
Daybreak wrote:
Do you mean Stamos? JOHN STAMOS A CANUCK?!Flinch wrote:
The solution, obviously, is to watch games naked.
YaK wrote:
You may be right. Hello freedom!!SwedishSniper wrote:
If I got taken out of the game by a man like Trevor, I would die happy and satisifiedDaybreak wrote:
If I got taken out by Trevor Linden, I'd ask him to sign my castNHL_2K4 wrote:
What is the difference between Roberto Luongo and Dan Cloutier?
preston08 wrote:
Ethnicity, hair colour, skill level, current NHL team, salary.
Oh, and Luongo can't stand chow mein.
Categories: Canucks Bloggers