last night t and i went to the final canucks game of the regular season. we failed to make the playoffs and it’s really not a big surprise. it’s a disappointment sure, but not overwhelmingly shocking considering how lackluster our team’s games have been for the last 3 weeks… what was really sad though is that after 15+yrs in the NHL, this was former captain [forever captain to me and t] trevor linden’s last game.
it’s the end of a hockey era in vancouver.
throughout the last week or so, trevor has not discussed his impending retirement. the comment ‘no comment’ and ‘i don’t want to discuss the situation’ has been heard from him frequently. but last night, a number of incidents pretty clearly illustrated what will eventually be announced by trevor himself… he is retiring.
his parents were at the game. they sat one section over from us and at ice level row one. we watched them as much as we watched the game from our 9th row lower bowl seats. trev looks alot like his dad =) and both his parents beamed with pride throughout the game.
the team tried to get trevor the puck throughout the night, hoping he could score one last game goal. unfortunately that didn’t happen. the beginning of the 3rd period, his last nhl period on the ice, the entire arena stood up, shouted and clapped a standing ovation for their most loved player. it forced a brief game delay. but, it was the last moments after the game ending buzzer that spoke volumes.
the entire team, every player, came off the bench and each hugged and congratulated trevor individually. it was clear, yet unspoken acknowledgement that this was his last game. it was touching. even the calgary flames [who spanked us royally this game with a 7-1 win] formed a line, each came forward to acknowledge trevor individually with hand shakes, back slaps, hugs and smiles.
during the game stars announcement, trevor was given the first star and came on to the ice alone. he skated around the large ice surface slowly and acknowledged the fans with a gesture of love and respect, pointing to the fans left in the building and holding his gloved hand to heart. it was a pretty clear message that his time as an active player was drawing to an end.
i confess that i got a little teary-eyed at the thought of never seeing trevor linden, beloved #16, in a canuck uniform again. it ’s the end of a hockey era in vancouver. a little of the shine has come off the canucks and as sad as i am to see him leave the game he has loved so much, i have no doubt that he will remain with the organization on some level in the management, coaching or scouting.
good-bye trevor… we love you. there will never be another #16.
