Return of Vancouver Canucks hockey big for fans, B.C. economy

FILE - Vancouver Canucks' Elias Pettersson, of Sweden, skates during the first period of an NHL hockey game against the Los Angeles Kings in Vancouver, on Tuesday November 27, 2018. (Darryl Dyck/CP)

Posted October 11, 2023 7:27 am.

Last Updated October 11, 2023 7:35 am.

It’s been more than five months since NHL hockey was played at Rogers Arena, but that changes Wednesday evening when the Vancouver Canucks take on the Edmonton Oilers in their season opener.

The return of the game is badly needed, not just for hockey-starved fans, but for B.C.’s restaurant industry.

President of the BC Restaurant and Foodservices Association (BCRFA) Ian Tostenson says when you factor in inflation, each game rakes in about $1 million in profit, through people going out before and after the game and through food delivery.

“You’re going to get a lot of people tonight going, ‘The game is coming on, I don’t feel like cooking, I don’t feel like shopping, so I’m going to go to Uber Eats or SkiptheDishes and do it that way.’ And they can also get their beer and wine with their delivery. We’re seeing now about 35 per cent of the industry is actually home delivery. It used to be about 15 per cent, so there’s been a real uptick to that.”

See you tomorrow! pic.twitter.com/zM9F4J8XGY

— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) October 11, 2023

He says that’s happening not just in Vancouver, but all across B.C. In October 2021, the B.C. government announced liquor sales were being allowed during food deliveries.

Tostenson says the ongoing labour shortage is still an issue.

“We’re running thin. We haven’t recovered, but we’re in a slow period right now, so that’s taking the pressure off,” says Tostenson, adding they have enough to deal with any onslaught of fans.

He adds eateries that tend to see the biggest profit margin is anywhere with a big screen TV and places where someone can pop in, grab a quick bite, and head to the rink. The BCRFA says restaurants also tend to see a little more of a profit when big teams or superstars come to town.

“This helps to create cashflow… but is this going to take us over the top and make us stable and profitable? Not for a while. We’re probably a couple of years away from that.”

Can the Canucks go the distance?

Before the start of every regular season, there’s a lot of hope surrounding the team and this year is no different. However, with a solidified front office and captain in place, the vibe around the Canucks this season feels a little different.

Sportsnet 650 Host Bik Nizzar says the team has what it takes to make the playoffs, but a big test this season will be how they bounce back when things don’t go their way – something they’ve struggled with in the past.

“I think it’s OK for fans to come into this season with a cautious heart and make the players earn your trust again.”

“We’ve been down this road. A lot of people have gone into seasons with expectations, and they’ve been let down. So, I think it’s OK for fans to wait until game 10, game 15 – make the players earn your trust again to feel really, really hopeful that these stars can reach the ceiling and push this team to the playoffs,” explained Nizzar.

He adds that despite key core players like Quinn Hughes and Elias Pettersson, this team can’t be compared to the magical 2011 squad.

“The roster is not complete just yet. This isn’t the truest vision of Patrik Allvin and Jim Rutherford. They’re still trying to make the best of what the previous regime did.”

Despite some trepidation, Nizzar thinks they’ll make the postseason.

“It’s more like a 45 or 55 per cent chance, but 55 per cent is still significantly higher than anything we’ve mentioned over the past five, six, or seven years.”

He says some weak spots are the team’s defence and scoring, however, one strength is goaltending as long as Thatcher Demko stays healthy and the team plays well enough to avoid relying on him for every win.

Nizzar says overall there’s a lot riding on this season as the team looks to show its fans and the league it’s a Stanley Cup contender once again, and to ensure its stars stay stick around – including Pettersson who still needs a new contract.

“As much as you can look at this team and say, ‘Hey, there’s a lot to like.’ There’s also a lot of things that can expire if things go wrong… and that’s why they need to have success early. Do you look at the guy next to you and say, ‘This is someone I can win with so let’s go compete.’

“If they do, Pettersson will get his contract. Andrei Kuzmenko will get his contract. Filip Hronek will get a contract. Everything will settle down if they win, but they need to win.

“Be an impact player for once… Go out there and do something… You’re making 5 million a year and hit 50 points once, no wonder nobody is trading for you!”@danriccio_ and @SatiarShah talk about the Conor Garland trade request and what he needs to do on #Canucks Central.

— Sportsnet 650 (@Sportsnet650) October 10, 2023