Canucks fans get inked, for life

VANCOUVER — Vancouver Canucks fans are displaying their feverish support for the team in some creative – and lasting – ways.

Timothy Simpson, originally an Edmonton Oilers follower, branded himself a Canucks fan for life Monday, when he had a tattoo of Johnny Canuck inked on his left thigh at The FALL Tattooing and Artists’ Gallery in downtown Vancouver. In what could be the most permanent statement of support a fan can make, the recent Stanley Cup run has many fans considering getting work done.

"I’m a Canucks fan through and through," said Simpson, a Vancouver bartender who was born in northern Alberta.

"Supporting the team, there’s a lot of different ways you can do that. By just believing, by getting something like this."

Simpson is not alone in wanting to permanently proclaim his support for the team.

Canucks tattoos are a regular topic of discussion on Twitter, where prospective supporters discuss design and arrange pacts to get inked.

More than 125 people in two separate Facebook groups have vowed in previous years to get tattooed, and on the "Crazy Canucks Fan Dare Challenge" group, pledges to get tattoos – if the Canucks take home the Cup – abound.

"If they win," scoffed Simpson, who was decked out in matching "Flying Skate" Canucks jersey and cap. "It’s when they win."

Simpson, who has been a Canucks fan since he was 11 years old, was feeling confident about the upcoming series.

"I’m calling five games…. Boston is going to win game four and come into our building with a little momentum and we’re going to shut the door."

The Johnny Canuck art was Simpson’s third, and by far largest, tattoo at roughly 25 by 15 centimetres.

Simpson was tattooed by Devin Stacey, an artist who has inked fans as well as players since beginning his trade in Edmonton five years ago.

Stacey said an increasing number of athletes are getting tattooed, adding that there was a natural connection between sports and tattooing.

"There are so many artistic insignias. It’s all about jerseys [and] colours. Every team needs to be cutting-edge," he said. "That’s all art-based."

Despite being an Oilers fan himself, Stacey was excited about the Canucks’ chances.

"My prediction is they’re gonna do what [Edmonton] couldn’t do and they’re gonna win it in Game 7 on home ice," said Stacey.

"I definitely have fought my urges to be a Canucks fan because I felt loyalties, but they have definitely won me over."