Go Canucks Go!

You can't turn the corner in Greater Vancouver without bumping into something or someone supporting the local hockey team.  The town has gone berserk with pride that after 17 years they once again have a shot at winning the NHL's Stanley Cup. 

there's signs on billboards:

flying banners from windows:

 fans wearing team jerseys to work and shop:

there's preferential treatment for fans:

and even the bus system has caught the spirit!

They have been closing off city streets in the early afternoon on game days so the tens of thousands of fans can gather to watch the excitement on Jumbotron TV screens set up downtown.  They're selling tickets at the arena even on 'away' nights for fans to watch the game, just on TV, en masse.  The local beach maintenance crew has constructed a huge "GO CANUCKS" message at English Bay out of washed-ashore logs.   Even a locally-based restaurant chain has temporarily changed it's name to support the team (of course, they had the unfortunate coincidence of being called Boston Pizza!)


It's wonderful and crazy at the same time.  I think they were so good at showing off their patriotism while hosting the Winter Olympics last year, and having had to bottle it all up for 16 months, it's all letting loose in a blue & green tidal wave.   As it stands today, the Vancouver Canucks are 1-game away from taking the title and the city is holding it's collective breath for tonight.....I might even watch...