Canucks Rewind: Daniel and Henrik Sedin’s jersey retirement night
There have been many dynamic duos throughout the history of the league, but the Vancouver Canucks were fortunate to have the very best in Henrik and Daniel Sedin. Originally drafted by the Canucks with the 2nd and 3rd overall picks in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, the Sedin twins would end up playing over 2600 combined games with the organization, evolving from quiet, dynamic forwards to game-changing, legendary franchise superstars.
Throughout their tenure in Vancouver, the twins gifted us with many memories and highlights, from the popularized slap pass and dominant down-low cycle game, to game-winning playoff goals and a truly unforgettable send-off during their final home game at Rogers Arena.
The Sedins gave so much to the organization and the city for nearly two decades, so it was only fair that we recognized and celebrated their illustrious careers a bit longer than most.
Sedin Week
The well-deserved festivities began on February 10th, 2020 with Legends Night. During the pre-game ceremonies, the organization showed their appreciation towards Markus Naslund, Stan Smyl and Trevor Linden, three of the four Canuck greats whose numbers were previously retired by the franchise.
The team donned their ever-so-popular redesigned black skate jerseys for the final time that night, coming away with a dominant 6-2 win against the Nashville Predators. The victory capped off an evening of excellence but, more importantly, set the stage for the grandest of goodbyes.
Two days later, the Canucks played host to the Chicago Blackhawks. It was always an entertaining tilt when Jonathan Toews and co. came to town, and even though the rivalry from the previous decade was slowly starting to lose its flame, it was fitting and even poetic that the team was lined up to battle an opponent that Daniel and Henrik were far too familiar with.
Each team had already claimed a victory earlier in the season coming into this game, and both were hoping to come out on top in this mini best-of-three series. The Canucks ended up with the two points, shutting out the Blackhawks by a score of 3-0, but that didn’t matter much.
It was what happened before the puck drop that made the night so memorable.
After 17 seasons with the Canucks, management, coaching staff, players and fans were able to say one final “thank you” to no. 22 and no. 33 as their numbers were hoisted to the rafters in eternal glory.
The pre-game ceremonies began with play-by-play commentator John Shorthouse at centre ice, surrounded by just over two dozen chairs, some filled and some empty. He first recognized the Aquilini ownership family, then fought off loud and expected boos towards Gary Bettman before saluting notable figures such Thomas Gradin and Brian Burke, who were instrumental in drafting the twins back-to-back, as well as former general managers Dave Nonis and Mike Gillis, current general manager Jim Benning, and long-time agent, J.P. Barry.
He went on to bring back Smyl, Linden and Naslund, who were all met with another round of thunderous applause as they stepped onto the ice from the player’s bench for the second time that week.
“Wait, there’s more”, Shorthouse stated.
He then gave everyone even more reason to stay on their feet and to continue their trip down memory lane, introducing fan-favourites such as Mattias Ohlund, Kevin Bieksa, Alex Burrows, Ryan Kesler and Roberto Luongo.
It was a rare, once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for fans of all generations to show their appreciation and gratitude for some of the best players to ever wear the blue and green uniform during the club’s 50-year existence but, more importantly, it set the stage to welcome, for one last time, Henrik and Daniel.
After a touching, highlight-filled “Sedinery” tribute video, and after much anticipation, excitement and admiration, the twins finally made their way along the blue carpet towards centre ice. Bieksa started off the ceremony with a hilarious opening speech that had everyone smiling from ear to ear, which was followed by gift presentations from the Aquilini brothers, as well as from former teammates Alex Edler and Bo Horvat.
Finally, the guests of honour took to the podium.
To no surprise, they opened their speech in a truly caring manner, sending well wishes and prayers to Jay Bouwmeester, who had suffered a cardiac episode during a game less than 24 hours prior.
They then took the time to thank and appreciate every individual who made an impact in both of their careers, from ownership, general managers and scouts, to coaches, mentors, teammates and fans. They were even able to give a nod to their former bench boss Marc Crawford, who was serving as an assistant coach for the Blackhawks at the time.
It was a humble and classy speech from two of the most respected individuals in the game, and it was a testament to how beloved they are in this city.
Finally, after another round of heartfelt applause following the conclusion of their speeches, the twins gathered with their families to watch their numbers rise to the rafters in historic fashion. They are only the second set of brothers to have both of their jerseys retired by the same NHL team, and it was truly the perfect milestone to cap off their truly remarkable hockey careers.
#ThankYouSedins pic.twitter.com/mYF198wep4
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) February 13, 2020
The organization ended the week on February 15th with Legacy Night, where fans and management were once again able to recognize the Sedins’ incredibly selfless off-ice contributions and commitment to the Vancouver community.
It’s hard to believe that it’s been over 20 years since Daniel and Henrik stepped onto the ice at GM Place for the first time in a Canuck uniform, and many still wish that they had stuck around a few more years to play alongside the incoming wave of young, talented, franchise-altering players. But both felt that their decision to hang up the skates came at the right time for themselves and their families, and they will continue to be recognized, respected and admired as two of the best Swedish forwards to ever play the game.
To this day, Henrik and Daniel still sit atop many Canuck records, including games played, points, goals, assists, game-winning goals, overtime goals and consecutive games played. They took on leadership roles for much of their time in Vancouver, with Henrik serving as the captain and Daniel serving as an alternate from 2010 to 2018, and established a “Sedin culture” that will remain in the dressing room and arena for decades to come.
Together, they have won two Art Ross trophies, three King Clancy Memorial trophies, a Hart Trophy and a Ted Lindsay trophy, and are locks to be inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in the near future.
Accolades and accomplishments aside (just like the twins prefer), the city will be hard-pressed to find two individuals as hard-working, humble, dedicated, selfless, talented and remarkable as the Sedins, and both will always hold a spot in the hearts of Canucks fans everywhere.
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Thanks for the memories, Henrik and Daniel!