It’s All in the Name
Johnny Canuck is a Canadian cartoon superhero who made his comic debut in the 19th century. Johnny C is simple-minded but strong, multi-talented and determined. Sound like a hockey player?

On Top of the Game
The Canucks first stepped on the ice in 1945 when the Pacific Coast Hockey League established a franchise in Vancouver. It didn’t take long for the team to be on top of the game — they won the championships in their first season. The Canucks joined the NHL in 1970 and led by coach Pat Quinn and players Trevor Linden, Kirk McLean and eventually, “The Russian Rocket” Pavel Bure, the ’nucks made a breakaway in the 1990s. The team took consecutive division titles in 1992 and 1993. They made it all the way to Game 7 of the 1994 Stanley Cup final, but lost to Mark Messier and the New York Rangers in the deciding game. The Canucks have never taken home the cup, but won their division again in 2003.

Towel-Powered Fans Show Their Support
There’s been a growing appetite for on-ice action in Vancouver since the 2005 hockey lockout and the Canucks missed the 2006 playoffs. Loyal Vancouver fans are always eager to show off their “towel power.” The ’nucks coined that term during their Cinderella run in the 1982 Stanley Cup playoffs. Coaches often yell and fist shake when referees make controversial calls, but former coach Roger Neilson was more creative. During a semifinal game in Chicago, the coach waved a white towel at refs in mock surrender. Players joined in, draping towels over the end of their hockey sticks. The club was fined $10,000 for ridiculing the officials, but started a tradition as at the next home game, most fans waved a white towel with gusto in support of their team.

To see the action on home-ice, head to GM Place in the heart of downtown.