The Vancouver Canucks’ return to the playoffs created a literal buzz in downtown Vancouver on Sunday as thousands of fans turned up the noise for Game 1.
And the team did not disappoint, rallying in the third period to beat the Nashville Predators 4-2, including two goals in 12 seconds, in the first playoff game at home in nine years.
“That was the most electric atmosphere I’ve ever seen at Rogers Arena,” said Marcus Keller who was at Sunday’s game thanks to his family being long-time season ticket holders. “I still can’t wrap my head around it fully, but I’ve never seen 18,000 people that passionate about something.
As soon as you get down to the plaza, the nerves just hit you. There’s so many fans. You feel like a mid-game atmosphere already, and you’re not even in the building yet. It was unbelievable.”
Videos on social media are filled with the sounds of car horns and cheering.
“The fans have been waiting for this for so long and to finally get that game one off of their chests and to just release basically nine years of built-up energy all in one game,” Keller said. “It felt so good for me and all the other fans that were there and the fans watching at home.”
Even the players took note of the fans’ energy in Rogers Arena.
“When we came out on the ice today, it was probably one of the more special things I’ve been a part of other than the birth of my children and my wedding,” forward T.J. Miller said. “It’s hard not to get choked up when you see that. That literally is everything.”
While the City of Vancouver hasn’t organized any public outdoor viewing parties yet, it did close Pat Quinn Way, which borders the arena. Marching bands and a stage helped usher in ticketholders ahead of the game.
The Canucks will host away game viewing parties inside Rogers Arena with a $15 admission.
After the game, fans in Surrey celebrated in the streets at Scott Road and 72nd Avenue. Horns were honking and flags were waving as people savoured the victory.
Plenty of people came out to the City of Delta’s first family-friendly outdoor watch party at Social Heart Plaza.
“When we go deep, we have lots of room and capacity, and this is going to be a really big family event and it’s going to be really fun to celebrate our team,” Coun. Rod Binder said, adding the city will have food trucks, beverages and all the amenities of the nearby recreation centre.
Vancouver police were outside Rogers Arena throughout the evening.
“While the atmosphere was safe and festive throughout the night, our officers also responded to several incidents related to people who had consumed too-much alcohol and were creating an unsafe environment for other fans,” Sgt. Steve Addison said.
One person was arrested for public intoxication and causing a disturbance and Addison says officers forced several people to pour out their alcohol.
“Excess consumption of liquor often leads to disorder, fights, and other violence that impacts everyone’s safety and ability to enjoy the festivities,” he said. “We remind everyone to consume your liquor at home or in a licensed establishment, but not on your walk to the game.”
He says police will continue to maintain a “high visible police presence” near the arena and elsewhere in the city throughout the playoffs.
Keller says although another family member will get the chance to go to Game 2, he will find somewhere to watch it with family and friends.
“Whether it’s a pub or at home, whatever it is, I’m just going to be watching with friends and family and we are going to be having the time of our lives. I’m so excited.”
And he believes this could be the year the team takes it all the way.
“I think they have offense that’s untapped,” he said. “I think they have deep defense and scoring depth. And Thatcher Demko played out of his mind last night. If he can continue that and the team can pull together, I think they’ve got it.”
Canucks announcer takes over SkyTrain
To continue the celebration through the week, SkyTrain riders might notice a familiar voice taking over the announcements.
The voice of the Canucks, Al Murdoch will be behind the microphone at several stations ahead of playoff games. He is the first guest voice on transit since Seth Rogan’s run back in 2018.
TransLink has not revealed the stations where Murdoch can be heard, but it’s nearly guaranteed that Stadium-Chinatown, right next to the venue, will be one of them.