Canucks: Who is next for the Ring of Honour?
Which Vancouver Canucks should be in the ring of honour next?
The Vancouver Canucks’ Ring of Honour celebrates players and staff who made an impact on the franchise. Their face and name for all to see around the rink at Rogers Arena. Though it is not quite as prestigious as getting a jersey number retired, it’s still is a very big honour. Think of it like receiving an honourable mention for an award in school.
The Current Canucks ROH has the team’s first captain Orland Kurtenbach, Kirk Maclean, Thomas Gradin, Harold Snepsts, the late Pat Quinn, Mattias Ohlund, and most recently Alex Burrows.
With not much Canucks news. I have seen debate over the Ring of Honour on social media with Canucks’ fans. Who should be next? Here are a few suggestions from your truly.
Gino Odjick
Gino Odjick is a fan-favourite player who played a little over seven seasons with the Canucks during the 90s. Not known for putting up points, Odjick was known for being an enforcer who laid out big hits and fought often. Canucks fans would always be chanting his name in encouragement.
With Odjick once again battling a rare disease called Amyloidosis (the same one that nearly took his life in 2014.), many fans want him to be inducted into the Ring of Honour. Two fans, Marcia McNaughton and Hans Petter Johnson have set up a Twitter account advocating for Odjick to be inducted.
Even B.C. Premier John Horgan is advocating.
Bure's retired jersey will be safer with Gino on his wing in the Ring of Honour. @canucks https://t.co/WX37a5wWge
— John Horgan (@jjhorgan) November 22, 2020
Odjick was a big part of the Canucks teams in the 90s, is the franchise leader in penalty minutes and is still active in the Canucks community. Some may argue that it may be weird to put an enforcer in the Ring of Honour or his numbers don’t show he is one of the Canucks best.
Ryan Kesler
Some Canucks fans may have a disgusted look on their faces as they read the name above. It is understandable considering the way he left Vancouver.
However, Ryan Kesler was a huge part of that 2011 Canucks team that went to the Stanley Cup Final. Had they won the Cup, Kesler likely would have won the Conn Smythe. No one could ever forget the second-round series against the Nashville Predators where he registered a point on 11 of the Canucks’ 14 goals.
Kesler is the only Canuck to win the Selke trophy and is ninth all-time in playoff points. He worked hard every night, was a fierce competitor and was also a big part of the community. Kesler even said that it hurt every time he was booed every time he played in Vancouver with the Anaheim Ducks because Vancouver will always have a special place in his heart. He said that during an episode of the Kes and Juice Podcast, which is unfortunately on pause indefinitely.
Kesler gave it his all during his time in Vancouver and he is an ideal candidate for the Ring of Honour. But for some fans, his departure still leaves a sour taste in their mouths.
Kevin Bieksa
Another member of the 2011 run, Kevin Bieksa played ten years with the Canucks. He gave his all every shift and was a favourite among the fans. In his prime, he was pretty good defensively and even put up some points. “Juice” was also known for fighting and playing aggressively as well as being a leader in the locker room.
Of course, fans will never forget that he was the only player on the ice that saw the puck go off the stanchion in game 5 of the 2011 Western Conference Final against the San Jose Sharks. That goal is one of the biggest goals in franchise history. Bieksa was a guy that other teams and fans hated and he was a big part of the “Vancouver versus everybody” talk.
Some will say Bieksa isn’t one of the team leaders in statistics or he wasn’t a flashy player, but he makes a strong case for the Ring of Honour. A true leader on and off the ice.
Roberto Luongo
Even after he retired, Roberto Luongo still stirs debate among Canucks fans.
Luongo makes an excellent case for the Ring of Honour. He is the all-time leader in wins and shutouts, was an All-Star multiple times, nominated for the Vezina, and is one of the funniest personalities in Canucks history.
“Bobby Lu” made some incredible saves when he was a Canuck including this one on Patrick Sharp in game 7 against Chicago.
He was and is still loved by fans. However, many fans argue he is better suited to have his number one raised to the rafters or are doubtful because of his playoff performances and the way he left town. Some say Luongo is more of a Florida Panther than a Canuck.
Tony Tanti
Tony Tanti is probably one of the most underrated Canucks. Originally a Chicago draft pick, he played a little over six seasons with the Canucks. He was mostly known for being a goal scorer, which he did a lot of. Tanti hit the forty-goal mark three times including a career-high 45 in 1983-84. He also hit 39 goals in 1984-85 and 1985-86. You could say he was the franchise’s first real sniper.
Tanti is sixth all-time in goals for the Canucks with 250. He was a bright spot on some poor Vancouver teams in the 80s and should definitely be considered for the Ring of Honour.
Tanti might not be a big name in franchise history but some fans do want him in the ring and I think he should be in there eventually.
You could say he was the Canucks forgotten star. He is as underrated as Star Trek III: The Search for Spock. (which came out during Tanti’s playing days.)
Next. Canucks: Fans should be excited about possible Canadian division. dark
Other names that could be the next in the Ring of Honour. Let us know who you would like to see in the Ring of Honour.