Vancouver Canucks to celebrate Black History Month

The Vancouver Canucks will be joining other teams in the NHL in celebrating Black History Month.

The organization says it’s part of the ‘Hockey is for Everyone’ initiative to promote inclusion within the sport.

One of their game against the Detroit Red Wings on Feb. 13 will also have a heavy focus on culture and history within B.C. hockey.

The day will also see several events happening in and around Rogers Arena, including several musical acts.

The team will also be wearing special warm-up jerseys before the game.

In celebration of Black History Month, the Vancouver Canucks will be wearing special warm-up jerseys on Monday, February 13.

Designed by award-winning artist, Yared Nigussu (@NigussuYared), the jersey features traditional elements from Yared's Ethiopian-Canadian heritage.

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) February 1, 2023

The jerseys are designed by award-winning artist Yared Nigussu. Nigussu used traditional elements from his Ethiopian-Canadian heritage in the design of patches and logos throughout the jersey.

The jersey’s shoulder patches feature Genna sticks, which are used in traditional Ethiopian field hockey.

Canucks fans on Twitter shared their warm reception to the jersey after it’s unveiling.

“Spectacular. The one-off warm up jerseys are one area the Canucks consistently get right. I especially like the stick in rink logo,” one user said.

“Beautiful work Yared. Gorgeous,” added another.

Other users worried the jerseys will cost as much as Vancouver’s Lunar New Year warm-up jerseys.

These one-time release jerseys will be available for auction alongside other Canucks Black History Month merchandise on Feb. 13.

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In a release from the team, Canucks Sports & Entertainment’s Michael Doyle says the Canucks take a lot of pride in working towards making the game of hockey more diverse, safe, and inclusive.

“Black History month gives us a tremendous opportunity to showcase and highlight hockey’s ability to bring people together, to educate, enlighten and more importantly to inspire our fans to see the good in the game. We look forward to some incredible storytelling this month to raise awareness and support, spark discussion and initiate some important conversations,” said Doyle.

The team’s release also featured the announcement of a donation to the BC Black History Awareness Society.

“The Vancouver Canucks are proud to provide a $20,000 donation to the BC Black History Awareness Society (BCBHAS) on behalf of the Canucks for Kids Fund to support their efforts in providing educational resources, spreading awareness, and advocating for racial diversity across the province,” read the release.