My memories
I was in fifth grade that year, and it’s hard to believe that it’s already been a decade. Like many fans, I thought the Canucks were going to win the Cup, and it really seemed written in stars after they jumped out to a 2-0 series lead.
I’ll never forget the vibes around the city that spring. Canucks flags and jerseys were everywhere. Outside, at school, at the mall, you name it. The local news would begin their shows with Canucks talk every day during the finals. Even my friends that didn’t even know much about hockey were getting invested. After every win, I heard cheering and car horns, and I can’t imagine what the celebrations would have been like if the Canucks had got the job done.
Like all of you, I was heartbroken seeing the Bruins celebrate with the Stanley Cup. I remember crying myself to sleep after game seven, and being in a very bad mood at school the next day. It’s been a decade now and the loss still is painful and hard to get over.
I was already a hockey fan at the time, but that team skyrocketed my passion. I was constantly reading articles in the paper and online (much to the chagrin of my teacher in computer class), looking up stats and backgrounds on both Canucks and Bruins players. If that 2011 team didn’t make it to the final, I’m not sure I would be writing for this site today, let alone have the ambition to go into sports journalism.
In the conversation of great teams that never won the Stanley Cup, the 2011 Canucks have to be mentioned. They were so dominant for so long, but ultimately just wilted. I’m sure Canucks fans in some alternate universe enjoyed a massive party and parade.
Man, that universe is lucky.
What are some of your memories of the 2011 Canucks? Let us know in the comments below!