Vancouver Day 1: Hockey

All of my google searches for things to do in Vancouver in the winter said going to a hockey game was a must. Thanks to Ticketmaster's resell program, I was able to make this happen. If we go back during hockey season, hopefully we'll plan ahead of time and buy tickets without the surcharge.

Vancouver ticks many boxes for the type of place where I would love to live. They have tons of places to eat, a world class library, parks, bike lanes, an international airport only 20 minutes away, and is extremely walkable. It was easier to walk 30 minutes with the crowds to the stadium than it would have been to get the rental car out of the hotel's underground parking lot, drive down a pedestrian clogged street, and hunted for parking. When we spotted our first Canuck's jersey, we knew we were walking in the right direction.

The stadium seats 19,000 people. Even though they were playing an American team (the Buffalo Sabres), there was hardly an empty seat. Our seats were up high in the end where the Canucks shot twice. Behind us was a large group of international students. While I thought they were behaving just fine, security came out to chastise them for tossing popcorn (some of which landed on me). The next day we saw the same group lining up for a group photo in front of the entrance to Capilano Suspension Bridge. 

My only complaint about the evening was I was not allowed to bring my camera into the stadium because it has the ability to use different lenses. It didn't matter that we did not have any other lenses on us, and the zoom feature was less than my phone, rules are rules. We were escorted past the ice cream cart to the security booth closest to our seats. The guys behind us in the security line jinxed themselves when they got behind us and commented "this looks like a fast line." I apologized to them for the delay, but they were relaxed about it. We still made it to our seats before puck drop. Next time I'll leave it behind.

The Canucks were celebrating Chinese New Year. Lots of on ice and in the stands entertainment all focused on Chinese culture. We also saw many decorations in stores and outside, even though the holiday was still over a week away.

Buffalo won 3-2! Go USA! 

As the game was held two weeks before T's attempt to stick Canada with 25% tariffs, no booing took place during the US National Anthem. It was quiet, subdued. They saved their enthusiasm for the Canadian National Anthem. Don and I were most impressed by the giant Canadian flags that unfurled and after moshing over the crowd, were put away until next time. Their technical crew seemed impressive. 

There were a couple of penalties, but no big fights and no blood shed. I really don't know enough about hockey to say anything else about the game.

Random pictures:

The walk back to the hotel was also filled with fans. Quiet ones because the Canucks lost.