Other Stuff: Just in case the other
options aren't enough for you.








If you like
Q & A
check out
Visitor Comments.


Strange:
The Canucks
did not have a captain during the 1974-75 season.

Q & A

Got a question about the Canucks and can't find the answer anywhere on the web? Why not ask the Canuck librarian. He might know the answer. Just . Not all questions and answers will be added to this page, but I will do my best to respond to every question.

Questions already answered

Questions that have me stumped

If you have an answer to any of these questions, .

  • Jon is "wondering whether or not Barry Pederson ever wore the captain's C even for a game or two while Smyl was injured." According to Jon "I know Stanley was the primary replacement but Pederson has been mentioned as well. I have NOT found any photo or published evidence that this is true."

Last Helmetless Canuck

Question: Paul asks: Who was the last Vancouver Canuck to not have to wear a helmet?

Answer: If my memory is correct (and it can be suspect at times), the answer to your
question is Harold Snepsts.  I know he wasn't wearing it when he played for
the Canucks during the 1989-90 season and I am pretty sure that no one was
helmetless later than that.


Mike Fountain's First Game

Question: Brian from Vancouver asks: Did Mike Fountain hit the goal post in his first game with the Canucks?

Answer: The game you are thinking of was Mike Fountain's NHL debut on November 14, 1996 where he posted a 3-0 shutout over the New Jersey Devils.  Late in the third period, with the Canucks leading 2-0, New Jersey pulled their goalie.  Fountain did take a shot at the empty net, but missed.  According to the news reports of the day:  

After four seasons in the minor leagues and five callups by the Vancouver Canucks, Mike Fountain finally got a chance to show his stuff in the NHL. He made the most of it. Not only did Fountain stop 40 shots and end the New Jersey Devils' five-game winning streak in his NHL debut, the goalie just missed scoring an empty-net goal as the Canucks posted a 3-0 victory Thursday. The empty net goal would have been the icing on the cake, but it barely slid past the net. "That would have been quite a feat if he had done that," said Devils rookie goalie Mike Dunham. "I would have retired if I did that."


Starting Line-up in Game Seven of the 1994 Finals

Question: Don from Vancouver asks: What was the starting line-up for the Canucks in game seven of the Stanley Cup Finals.

Answer: A quick check of the game tape showed that the Canucks started their checking line that night. John McIntyre took the opening faceoff with Shawn Antoski on his left side and Tim Hunter on the right. Jeff Brown and Bret Hedican started on defense and Kirk McLean started in net as he did every other game that Spring.


First Russian to Score

Question: Bryce asks: Who was the first Russian born Canuck player to score a goal? Larionov or Krutov?

Answer: Krutov scored his first goal in the Canucks' second game of the season on October 7, 1989 against Detroit.  While Larionov certainly had (and continues to have) a better NHL career than Krutov, it took until October 11, 1989 (the Canucks' fourth game of the season) for Larionov to score his first as a Canuck.


Orland Kurtenbach's Number

Question: Ed from Coquitlam asks: What was Orland Kurtenbach's number when he played in the NHL with the Canucks?

Answer: Orland Kurtenbach wore number 25.


5,000th Canuck Goal

Question: My buddy and I can't decide which of these Canucks scored the 5,000th goal in the teams history and when they did it. Was it, Stan Smyl or Brian Bradley and was it during the 1987/88 season or 1988/89 season. If were both totally off base that's O.K. too...just set us straight. Thanx!

Answer: The 5000th goal in Canuck history was scored during the 1989-90 season.  It came on November 14 in a game against the Washington Capitals.  In the first period, Brian Bradley got the goal with assists from Tony Tanti and Stan Smyl at 17:12.  The Washington goalie was Bob Mason.

By my recollection (this is unofficial now), Bradley got credit for the goal because it bounced in off his head (helmet).  Now that's one way to get in the record books.  ;-)


Paulin Bordeleau

Question: When did Paulin Bordeleau play for the Canucks?

Answer: Paulin Bordeleau was selected by the Canucks in the 2nd round of the 1973 Amateur Draft. He recorded 24 points in 68 games as a rookie in 1973-74. After a solid season in 1974-75, he split the 1975-76 season between Vancouver and the farm team. He left the Canucks and joined the WHA Quebec Nordiques for the 1976-77 season. During the 1980's, he played in France and played for the French team at the 1988 Olympics.


Canuck Mascot

If you would like more information on the word "Canuck",
check out
Canuck Defined.
Question: Kelly from USA asks: What is your mascot? Is it a Canuck or a fish or what?  I am confused.  I think is it is probably a fish as Canadians fish right?  I don't know.

Answer: I am confused too.  A few years ago the Canucks decided to update their logo to something feared and that represented the Pacific Northwest (west coast of Canada).  They chose a killer whale (also known as an orca).  There is *no* relation between killer whales and Canucks as far as anyone knows. This is similar to the fact that the Capitals wear a jersey with an eagle on it and the Senators are represented by a Centurion.

The current logo is an Orca jumping out of the water (I think the term is "breeching").  It is in the shape of a "C" which is supposed to represent "Canucks".  The mascot is a fuzzy Orca.  Like other whales, Orcas breathe out of a hole in the top of their head.  The mascot has steam coming out of the top of its head.  It's supposed to be cute and cuddly for the kids, but has a fierce, toothy grin as well. I know, it doesn't make much sense.

And, yes, some Canadians do fish.


First Goal at GM Place

Question: Dara from GM Place writes: Who scored the first Canuck goal at home in the "new" GM Place (Oct 9, 95)?

Answer: The Canucks played their first regular season game at GM Place against Detroit.  The Canucks fell behind 3-0 early in the second period, before Mike Ridley made history by scoring the first Canuck goal at GM Place.  It came on the powerplay at 5:48 of the second period and was assisted by Jeff Brown and Pavel Bure. The Canucks came back to tie the game at three in the second period, but two more Wing goals sent the crowd home disappointed.


Canucks in the 1940's

Question: Robin from Washington, DC asks: Maybe you can help me find information on the following players: Les Vickery, Ivan Wilson, Doug Jackson, George Hunchuck (sp?), Bill Shill, Hall Hussley, Bill Wilson, Bill Crowley, Reg A Walter (sp?). I believe they were all members of a team in the 1940's.  I have a Canadian Dollar bill signed by these individuals and would like to track down it's significance and possible value. 

Answer: It looks like you have members of the 1948-49 Vancouver Canucks. Les Vickery, Ivan Wilson, Doug Jackson (goalie), George Hunchuk, Bill Shill, Harold Hursley (probably the player you listed as Hall Hussley), and Bill Wilson all played for the team that season.  The 1948-49 season was the only season that Vickery, Jackson, Hursley and Wilson spent with the Canucks.

Is it possible Bill Crowley is Bill Carse (another member of the team)?  As for Reg Walter, my best guess would be Paul Waldner.  It is also possible that Crowley and Walter are other people who were associated with the team (coach, trainer, dressing room security guard, etc.) and I only have information on the players.

As for the value of your collectible, I really cannot say.  Bill Shill and Bill Carse made it to the NHL, so there may be people looking for their signatures.  The 1948-49 season was the first year that the PCHL was a pro hockey league (although not the first year of the Vancouver Canucks).   You might want to contact the folks at Beckett and see if they have an opinion on your item.


Dave Balon

Question: MJ from Boston MA asks: "Whatever happened to Dave Balon? I'm especially curious about his last year in Vancouver. Only 3 goals? Was he sick or injured?"

Answer: Years ago, I answered this question with very little information. I have since learned that Dave Balon had multiple sclerosis and this affected his play near the end of his career. Dave Balon has since died (in May 2007 at the age of 68).

My previous answer: Dave Balon's production obviously fell (off the map) from 47 points in 71-72 to 5 points in 1972-73. He was injured early in the 72-73 season, but still saw action in 57 games. More importantly, I suspect he became a victim of the numbers game.  He was 35 before the season started and the Canucks brought in some young players which undoubtedly limited his contribution to the team. I also have unconfirmed information that he may have been diagnosed with an illness around this time.

The Canucks drafted left winger Don Tannahill in 1972 and he recorded 43 points as a rookie in 72-73.  The Canucks also picked up Gerry O'Flaherty -- another young winger who chipped in with 30 points. In September 1973, Balon was waived through the NHL, so he could join the Quebec Nordiques of the WHA.  He played for them briefly in 73-74.


Seating Capacity

Question: Nigel from Victoria BC asks "What was the seating capacity of Pacific Coliseum? GM Place?"

Answer: The first thing you need to know is that attendance at the Coliseum included standing room while there is no "official" standing room at GM Place (even though you could watch the game while standing on the concourse). Based on the sellout crowd size, the maximum capacity of the Pacific Coliseum was:

1970-71: 15,569
1971-72 to 1974-75: 15,570 (I'm not sure where they put the extra seat during the summer of 1971.)
1975-76: 15,612
1976-77: 15,570
1977-78 to 1982-83: 16,413
1983-84 to 1988-89: 16,553
1989-90 to 1991-92: 16,123
1992-93 to 1994-95: 16,150

At GM Place, the official sellout size is 18,422 although they have had some larger announced crowds. During the third game at GM Place, the attendance was announced at 19,056. Since November 1995, sellouts are listed as having 18,422 tickets sold.


Farm Teams

Question: Tim in Vancouver asks "Prior to the Manitoba Moose and Victoria Salmon Kings, what were all the farm teams (AHL and ECHL) for the Canucks?

Answer: The Canuck farm teams were:

1970-71 to 1971-72 Rochester Americans (AHL)
1972-73 to 1974-75 Seattle Totems (WHL, CHL)
1975-76 to 1977-78 Tulsa Oilers (CHL)
1978-79 to 1981-82 Dallas Black Hawks (CHL)
1982-83 to 1987-88 Fredricton Express (AHL)
1988-89 to 1991-92 Milwaukee Admirals (IHL)
1992-93 to 1993-94 Hamilton Canucks (AHL)
1994-95 to 1999-2000 Syracuse Crunch (AHL)
2000-01 Kansas City Blades (IHL)
2001-02 to 2008-09 Manitoba Moose (AHL)  

The concept of the farm system has changed slightly over the years. In some years, the Canucks actually shared a farm team with another NHL team, while in other years, the Canucks had players on a second, lower-tier team. The teams listed above were the Canucks' number one farm team.


Captains

Question: Bruce from Gibsons, BC asks "Is there a list of captains?"

Answer: The Canuck captains were:

1970-71 to 1973-74 Orland Kurtenbach
1974-75 (alternates only)
1975-76 Andre Boudrias
1976-77 Chris Oddleifson
1977-78 to 1978-79 Don Lever
1979-80 to 1981-82 Kevin McCarthy
1982-83 to 1989-90 Stan Smyl
1990-91 Trevor Linden, Doug Lidster, Dan Quinn (shared)
1991-92 to 1996-97 Trevor Linden
1997-98 to 1999-2000 Mark Messier
2000-01 to 2007-08 Markus Naslund
2008-09 Roberto Luongo (sort of)

Notes: The Canucks media guide lists Kevin McCarthy as captain in 1978-79, but my records show he was named captain on September 30, 1979.
You may recall Stan Smyl being presented the Clarence Campbell Bowl in the 1982 playoffs. Kevin McCarthy was still officially the captain, but was injured just before the playoffs.
Other players have also worn the "C" at times when the captain cannot play. Too many players have worn "A"s to be listed (and please don't ask because I don't have those records).
As a goalie, Roberto Luongo cannot perform the on-ice duties as captain, nor wear a "C" on his jersey.
Finally, the "A" stands for "alternate" not "assistant" captain.


Trent Klatt's Unscored Goal

Question: Mary-Ellen asks "Has an NHL player ever been awarded a goal even though it didn't go in the net? I seem to recall this happening to Trent Klatt when he played his last year (2002-2003?) with the Canucks. It was during a game with the Minnesota Wild. Klatt was in possession of the puck when he was taken down by a Wild in front of an empty Minnesota net. Even though the puck never went in the net, Klatt was given the goal. He laughed at the end of the game when he was being interviewed that some goals are uglier than others, but that he'd take those ones too."

Answer: Yes, a player can be awarded a goal even if the puck does not enter the net.  Basically, the rule is that when a team has pulled their goalie and does something that would normally result in a penalty shot, then the goal is automatically awarded.  The theory is that since there is no goalie, you could not miss on a penalty shot.  It is rare, but it does happen.  

According to my Canuck database, Trent Klatt scored two empty net goals as a Canuck.  One of those goals came during a game on December 4, 2000 against the Nashville Predators.  The other came on March 18, 2001 against the Atlanta Thrashers.  Since neither of these was against the Minnesota Wild, I had to look at the game summaries.   I went to an online resource that is available through my library. Here is part of the article from The Vancouver Sun article from December 5, 2000:

Canuck Trent Klatt, hooked on a breakaway with the net empty, was awarded a penalty shot and the automatic goal with 15.6 seconds remaining. ... "I've never scored a goal without putting the puck in the net; I've never even seen it," Klatt said. "It's a good thing it wasn't a penalty shot or I probably would have missed."


Starting Line-up in First Ever Game

Question: Ken & Sonja ask: "I was wondering if you could tell me who the Canucks started as their first 6 players on their first ever game vs the Los Angeles Kings in 1970."

Answer: Somewhat surprisingly, I actually have that information.  They were:

30. George Gardner (goalie)
5. Darryl Sly (defense)
6. Marc Reaume (defense)
7. Andre Boudrias (centre)
15. Rosaire Paiement (wing -- right wing I think)
18. Poul Popiel (wing)  


Worst and Best Start to Season

Question: Aaron asks: "What is the Canucks worst start - most consecutive losses to start a season? Seems like a pretty easy question but I can't find the answer. Everyone keeps saying this is the worst start in eight years - but what is the absolute worst?! We must have a few more games to lose before we can even start thinking about a record... right...?"

Answer: Actually, the Canuck record for longest losing streak to start the season is just three games. They have done this three times (1976-77, 2001-02, and 2009-10). Their longest winless streak is four games (in 1994-95 they tied their first game of the season and then lost the next three).

Just so you know, their longest winning streak to start the season is four games (1992-93). Their longest unbeaten streak to start the season is also four games, although they have accomplished this twice. In addition to 1992-93, they won two and tied two to start the 1981-82 season.

3337
Content copyright © 2001-2016 David Marchak
This page last updated September 13, 2020