Canucks: Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser return to Rogers Arena

The Vancouver Canucks organization got a motivational boost when they welcomed back Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser to Rogers Arena for practice.

Phase two of the NHL’s Return to Action Plan is finally underway for the Vancouver Canucks. In fact, the NHL approved phase two more than three weeks ago, but the Canucks organization decided to keep the doors to Rogers Arena locked until further notice.

It was a safe call considering the fact that COVID-19 seems to be spreading like a wildfire across the National Hockey League right now. That might be a slight overstatement but the Canucks made the right call deciding to wait things out. Look at Tampa Bay for example. Their players returned to the rink as soon as they possibly could and look what happened. Multiple players got sick and they were forced to shut things down again.

Now though, 24 days removed from the initial reopening and Vancouver fans got a sign of hope. Owners removed the locks to the team’s practice facility and players returned for practice. The locals arrived right away, but welcomed back as well were big gun players like Elias Pettersson and Brock Boeser. The duo is reunited and it feels so good! They’re back!

https://twitter.com/Canucks/status/1278069452664266752

Phase three is still a ways away for the NHL, but the Canucks will be happy to take what they can get. The wait was worth it, Canucks management made the right call, and the team will benefit because of it. Player safety should always come first and Boeser and Pettersson can now skate freely knowing that it’s safe to practice.

The 50th year team worked hard all season long to get to where they are, and they’ll be eager to get back to prove themselves once more. The Canucks will need the “Boesersson” combo in tip-top shape and as a fan, the news is really quite comforting. The grind for playoff hockey is alive and well in the beautiful city of Vancouver.