Canucks legend Stan Smyl to transition from hockey operations after 45 years
Posted October 5, 2023 11:13 pm.
Vancouver Canucks legend Stan Smyl has decided to transition from his role within the team’s hockey operations department after spending 45 years as a player, coach, senior manager and leader in the unit, the team announced Thursday.
Smyl will remain a community and business ambassador with the club. In this role, he will represent the Canucks across a broad range of community and business-based activities.
After 45 years as a player, coach, senior manager and leader within the Vancouver Canucks Hockey Operations department, Stan Smyl has decided to transition from his day-to-day duties, but will remain involved with the club.
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— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 5, 2023
Smyl joined the organization in 1978, and the eight-year captain led the Canucks to the 1982 Stanley Cup Final and became the first player in franchise history to have his number retired.
His 45 consecutive years with the club make him the longest-serving player/employee in franchise history. Smyl has been a member of the Canucks organization for parts of the past six decades.
“When I moved to Vancouver in 1978, I could not have imagined the positive journey it would become over the next 40-plus years,” Smyl said in a statement. “This team and community have meant everything to me and my family. We are truly grateful for all of the relationships and experiences we have shared together.”
