Samiksha Jaiswal (Editor)

Vancouver Canucks Ring of Honour

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Vancouver Canucks Ring of Honour

The Vancouver Canucks Ring of Honour is a collection of permanent in-arena displays, used as a means to celebrate and acknowledge players who made a lasting impact on the franchise. Along with the permanent display each inductee is given a night of recognition, during the unveiling of their display, that includes a video tribute and an on-ice presentation. Established as part of the Canucks' 40th National Hockey League's (NHL) season celebration in 2010–11, four members were inducted in the first year. Members are selected by an advisory committee that includes former players, broadcasters, and staff members.

The first member inducted to the Ring of Honour was Orland Kurtenbach. Kurtenbach began his professional career with the Western Hockey League version of the Canucks before reaching the NHL ranks. When the Canucks became an NHL expansion team in 1970, they used their second pick in the expansion draft to take Kurtenbach. Recognized for his leadership Kurtenbach was named the Canucks' first captain, a position he held until retiring in 1974.

The initiative has been well received by both players and fans. Honoured players have garnered loud ovations, while third inductee, Thomas Gradin, called it an honour that he was very proud of. However, Yahoo! Sports' Greg Wyshynski took issue with the Ring of Honour and the concept itself, since it is different from the Toronto Maple Leafs. Toronto has only retired numbers from players who have died during their career while honouring others in a similar fashion as the Ring of Honour. He stated that being added to the Ring of Honour was "an honourable mention for players not worthy of immortality" and the concept was a way for teams to sell commemorative merchandise on the event nights.

Notes

  • ^ a: McLean was the Canucks' all-time leader in games played, wins, and shutouts in the regular season and post season at the time of his retirement. Roberto Luongo has since surpassed McLean in wins and shutouts for regular season play.
  • ^ b: Gradin finished his Canucks career with 550 points, he has since been surpassed by both Trevor Linden and Henrik Sedin.
  • ^ c: Snepsts finished his Canucks career with 781 games played and 1,446 penalty minutes, he has since been surpassed by multiple players in each category.
  • References

    Vancouver Canucks Ring of Honour Wikipedia