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The Vancouver Canucks are a professional National Hockey League ice hockey team based in Vancouver, British Columbia.
- Founded: 1970
- Arena: General Motors Place
- Uniform colours: Blue, red and silver
- Logo design: A stylized "C", consisting of an orca breaking out of water.
- Stanley Cup final appearances: 2 (0 won, 2 lost: 1981- 1982 (lost), 1993- 1994 (lost))
1 Franchise History
In 1946 the Pacific Coast Hockey League established an ice hockey franchise in the city of Vancouver. Known as the Canucks, they immediately enjoyed success by winning the PCHL championship in only their second year of existence. In 1953, the PCHL merged with the Western Canada Senior Hockey League to form the professional Western Hockey LeagueThe Western Hockey League was a professional ice hockey league which existed from 1951 until 1974. It was formed by a merger of the Pacific Coast Hockey League and the Canada Senior Hockey League. External Link .. With numerous star players coming through the ranks like Johnny BowerPrince Albert, Saskatchewan native Johnny Bower is a Hall of Fame goalie of the NHL. Born in 1925, Bower was an undrafted goalie who played in the AHL for several years in the late 1940s and early 1950s. He was finally picked up by the New York Rangers of, Andy BathgateAndrew James Bathgate born August 28, 1932 in Winnipeg, Canada, is a Hockey Hall of Fame player. Andy Bathgate was a popular star-player of the New York Rangers and also holds the honor of being declared the MVP of both the NHL and WHL. He started his pro, Tony Esposito , Don CherryDon Cherry (born February 5, 1934, nickname Grapes is a well-known ice hockey coach and commentator in both America and Canada. A native of Kingston, Ontario, Canada, Cherry had a lackluster playing career in the American Hockey League, playing one game f and Phil Maloney , the Canucks won the Lester Patrick Cup in 1958Events January January 1 Treaty of Rome founding the EU is implemented January 4 Sputnik 1 falls to Earth from its orbit (launched on October 4 1957) January 8 14 year old Bobby Fischer wins the United States Chess Championship January 18 Armed Lumbee Nat, 1960, 1969 and 1970.
In 1965, when the NHL announced plans to expand to six additional markets (soon to be known as the Expansion Six), the WHL's Canucks owner and former Vancouver mayor Fred Hume announced that the city of Vancouver would apply. However, the presentation to the NHL's Board of Governors was sloppily prepared. Because of this, and the fact that the Vancouver ownership group was disliked by Chicago Blackhawks owner James Norris and Toronto Maple Leafs owner Stafford Smythe (who hated Vancouver in general because of a failed arena plan), the application did not succeed. Nevertheless, the Pacific Coliseum, which was to be the first home for a prospective Vancouver team, was built on the grounds of the Vancouver Exhibition .
In 1970, another Vancouver ownership group bought the minor-league Canucks and, after much negotiating, the Canucks joined the NHL for the price of $6 million. Interestingly, the Canucks were placed in the East Division to maintain parity between the two divisions (more interesting was the fact that the Blackhawks moved from the East Division to the West Division the same year).
Expansion team established in May of 1970 after an unsuccessful bid in 1967.
- First Captain: Orland Kurtenbach
- First Game: October 9, 1970 vs. Los Angeles Kings
- First Victory: October 11, 1970 5 - 3 vs. Toronto Maple Leafs
- First Goal Scored: Barry Wilkins vs. Los Angeles Kings
Barry Wilkins scores the first goal in Canucks history against the Los Angeles Kings. The Canucks would unfortunately lose the game 3-1.
