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I can't quite put my finger on exactly why I like Alfredsson...I've just always been a fan. He's a great player, super skilled and fun to watch but I don't think he's a floater type either. He really battles hard and I love that. And who could forget his little Mats Sundin stick-throwing act? Hilarious. |
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Been a fan since the junior days...how could I forget that trying goal in the 3rd vs Russia at the '99 WJC? Damn Chubarov for ruining it! Anyways, Allen had a rough start to his career because he was so injury-prone, but now that he's healthy he's been steadily progressing. He had his first full year with the big club this year and impressed with his poise and constant improvement. He's tough and makes a good breakout pass. He's going to be a fixture on the Canucks blueline for years to come. |
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Baldy Auldy! Okay sorry...Anyway Auldy's been around in my books since the 2001 WJC when he backed up Maxime Ouellet (was also balding then, and age 19...). Anyway, every time Auldy's come up to play for the Canucks, he's done an amazing job. Such poise ans confidence for a young goalie. Seems like he never gets rattled. Played great in the 2004 playoffs...great future ahead for him and for us! |
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Oh Baumer! How do I love thee? Let me count the ways... Let's see, is it the back to back World Junior golds (1995, and captaining in 1996)? Is it the fact that Bob McKenzie said you were the nice guy that helped the support staff carry the luggage at the WJC's? Is it the Blazer glory? Is it "the only thing I can say is...Woooooo!"? Is it "Kamloops connection, woooo!"? Is the fact that you don't do any one thing amazingly but you're solid and do everything well? Yes, and then some...Why must you leave us and go to Frankfurt?! Please come back after the lockout! |
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Say what you will about Todd, he's one of the best players in the NHL. No one condones what he did to Steve Moore, but the fact remains that no one in the NHL posses the lethal package of skill, power, and intimidation that Bert has. Now if only he could put it together for 82 games plus playoffs, we're golden. Wayne, what were you thinking leaving Bert off the World Cup roster?! |
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Man this guy can skate like the wind. He came to Vancouver to play the Giants when he was still with the Tigers and he just had "NHL" written all over him. He made a splash at the World Juniors at just 16 with Jason Spezza, and he's continued his ascent. He was named the best defenceman at 2003's World Championships as Canada took the gold medal, and he came back for a second gold in Prague. And he's just 20 years old! Huge future ahead for this guy. |
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Gotta love those BC boys...Brewer's a talented young D-man for the Oilers that, like Jovo and Wade Redden, is one of the faces of the future for NHL defencemen. He's good defensively and is talented offensively, and is now a veteran of internation hockey, with all the World Championships, Olympics, and now the upcoming World Cup under his belt. One a side note, is he not the spitting image of Michael Vartan??? |
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Cassels was my favourite Canuck for quite a few years. I liked his subtle finesse style and I thought he was one of the most underrated players in the NHL. I liked him right off the bat for rejecting the rangers and coming to sign with us the day before my birthday. He's not a flashy player but he quietly goes about his business and gets it done: very reliable. I liked how he clicked with Sanderson in Hartford and then again in C-bus. I would love for him to come back to the Canucks and be re-united with Sanderson (assuming we can sign Sanderson for a reduced salary). |
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Is Clooch not the most harassed man in Vancouver? I don't care what people say, he's a good goalie. Clooch backed up Jamie Storr in the '95 WJC, but he first really caught my eye in the infamous fight with Tommy Salo and the "Islander bench challenge" that followed it. He cleaned Salo! Luckily we've gotten a glimpse of his fiesty side a bit here in Vancouver. But he's also learned to control his emotions more which is good. Year after year he's proven that he's a great goalie. Sure, he's had his playoff hicupps, but it's ridiculous to blame the Canucks' early exits on just him. I felt bad for this year because it seemed like it was going to be his year, then he got injured. People need to quite haranguing him and just let him play. Like Chris Osgood before him, I know Danny can rise about the criticism and bring home the Cup! |
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Okay, I admit it. The main reason I like Conroy is that he's so freakin' funny. Yes, I like the fact that he's a hard-working grinder-who-can-score who's good defensivley. But honestly now, is it possible to watch an interview with this guy without cracking up? If you've never heard him talk, you must hunt down some video clips now. I think the first taste I got of him was before the gold medal game in Salt Lake when CBC talked to him and Doug Gilmour. He was really funny, and every time I saw him, whether it was on Ice Level, After Hours, or Be A Player he was just so funny. He's so hyper and animated and just rambles on and on. He'd make a great broadcaster after he retires. He even brightened my mood after Game 7: just the way he was talking about about the ups and downs was hilarious. Something like: "Oh you know you see Iggy lose his stick and you're like *gasp* and then you see Naslund going down the ice and Cooke gets it and scores and you're like *gasp* and then in OT Iggy just takes it to the net and..." and on and on. I was miserable that the Canucks lost the series, but at least Conroy made me smile. |
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Here's a guy you gotta respect because he goes balls-to-the-walls all the time. I love his high-energy, hard-forechecking style and everyone should emulate his hard work. I also like how he's not just a grinder, he can put points on the board: his best year in junior was 45 goals and 95 points! He proved that he can play with the big boys this year when he flourished taking Bert's spot on the big line. And has he not carved out a reputation as a clutch scorer? 1 second left vs Minny? 5 seconds left vs Calgary? I think so. Cookie capped off a great finish to the season by coming up big for Canada in a gold medal showing at the Worlds in Prague. |
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What's not to love about this guy? Okay, so he hasn't really put it together at the NHL level...but he's so bloody funny! He's SUCH a Newfie and he's just hilarious. Super-nice guy too. I had the good fortune of getting to meet him at a Canucks Booster Club Player Dinner (along with Peter Schaefer, hehe). He was so nice, and so funny...as a player, I first got to see him at the '99 WJC, where he didn't do much. With the Nuckers he had some flashes (remember that OT winner vs the Kings to put the Canucks into the playoffs in 2001???) but he wasn't consistent enough. I think he spends most of his days in St. John's, his hometown. But hopefully one day he'll make it! |
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Who doesn't love this guy? Marc-André made a huge splash at the '03 World Juniors in Halifax. He was amazing for Canada, even when he was really sick. What really stood out, besides his play, was that the guy never stops smiling, ever! He's always giggling whatever he's talking about and just seems like such a happy guy. His WJC performance led to him being just the second goalie taken 1st overall in the draft. He initially played great for the sad, pathetic Penguins, playing the show as an 18-year-old, but the Pens' non-existant D started to cost him and I think he started to lose his confidence. In my opinion, he definitely should've played the whole year in junior...and I'm sure that mistake in the 2004 WJC gold medal game didn't help his confidence either (...while we're on the subject...damn you Kesler!). Poor guy. But I don't think there's any question that he's going to be a huge star and he's got plenty of fans rooting for him along the way! |
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Yes I'm still mad at Keenan for trading Marty. There's no way he should've been shipped off like that. But I suppose if he hadn't been, we never would've gotten Sanderson, and then May...the first time around...So the natural progression would suggest that Marty is destined to come back to the Canucks too! I always loved Marty when he was a Canuck because he always gave 100% out there. He was super in '94 and he had that one great year (1996 I believe) where he was the team MVP. He's showing why he was so popular now in Calgary, where he's carving out a reputation as a clutch playoff hero (at our expense, damn!). Come back home Marty! |
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I've said it a million times but - if I could play like any player in the NHL, it would be Dany Heatley. Dany is the total package - size, speed, skill, shot, determination. He never ceases to amaze me with the way he can elevate his play and rise to the occaision. This was first evidenced with his fantastic runs with Team Canada at the World Juniors, and he's conintued his amazing play in the NHL. There's no question that he's one of the top 5 players in the NHL. He was a no-brainer for the World Cup, especially after his brilliant tournament-leading performance in Canada's gold medal turn in Prague this year, where he garned MVP honours. I'm thinking the sky's the limit for this guy, he's incredible. |
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Oh my goodness, Marc Crawford is mean to Johan. I love The Moose, I was a fan as soon as that "Moose" stuff started in the playoffs where he played so well with the Pens. I was thrilled when he came to the Canucks but I was very disappointed in Crawford's treatment of "Johan The Terrible". Poor guy. Never really got a chance. I hope he goes somewhere and plays really well (as long as it's not at our expense!). |
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Been a CuJo fan since those amazing playoffs with the Oilers, beating the Stars, woo-hoo! I loved him as Leaf too. He never should've gone to Detroit, how stupid that was! Not only is CuJo an amazing goalie, he's a hilarious guy. He's also one of those guys who looks like he's about to crack up in every interview, even if what he's talking about is completely and utterly unfunny. Plus whenever he and Tyler Stewart get together they're hilarious...ahh I wish CuJo stayed in TO! |
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The papers always call Jovo "swashbuckling", and I think that's the perfect way to describe him. He skates like the wind (he'd make a great forward!) and can wire the puck. Plus he's solid as a rock on D (so long as he doesn't have too many of his brain cramps), hits like a train, and fights like nobody's business (hello, Adam Deadmarsh). I love his passion. When they were naming the Olympic team and they said "From Windsor, Ontario..." I just lost it! What a beauty move by Burkie to dump Bure and bring us Jovo! |
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I love Koivu because he's a smaller skill player but he isn't a softie. He works really hard and is a fiesty competitor. He doesn't let his numerous injuries hold him back. He's tough as nails, and who wasn't inspired by his courageous comeback from cancer? |
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Okay, come on, I had to put Le Magnifique on here. He's frickin' amazing. His name isn't "le mieux" for nothing, you know... |
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I knew about Lootie before he came to the Canucks from his play with the World Junior team in '97 and also at the World Championships. He ended up being even better than I expected. He is a super-speedy skater and I love little players that can just fly. Lootie was a very hard worker and he had a great attitude. He even followed in the footsteps of Peter Schaefer and Drake Berehowsky and gamely went along with Z95's ridiculous Hockey Helper segment. I wish there was a way the Nucks could've kept him, but what better place for him to go than that ex-Canucks haven known as Columbus. |
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Trevor's the quintessential Canuck. There was outrage in Vancouver when he was traded and euphoria when he came back (thank you Brian Burke!). I for one admire Trevor because of his consistent hard work and his obvious excpetional leadership. I also love how he does so much work in the community but doesn't go around looking for recognition. He's a genuinely nice guy and we're lucky to have him in Vancouver. Even though he might not put up the points like he used to, he does all the little things you need to win championships. Plus he still skates like he's 23. Trevor's a beaut, and my very favourite NHLer. |
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Roberto really caught my eye in the 1999 World Juniors. He was just phenomenal in nets for Canada, and carried the team all the way to the gold medal game and into overtime (again...damn you, Chubarov!). Why the Islanders would trade him is beyond me. Anyhow, he's improved every year and in 2003-04 he had a career year and is up for the Vezina! Throw in back-to-back gold medal performances at the World Championships and it's no wonder he was named to the World Cup team. |
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I have a ridiculous obsession with Marek Malik! Haha. Actually, when he first came to the Canucks I hated him. For many reasons. First of all, he was traded for Harold Druken. I adored Harold! Second, he took Bryan Allen's roster spot and bumped Nolan Baumgartner down to the minors. Third, he was CZECH. NO, I AM NOT RACIST AGAINST CZECHS! It's just that the Canucks have had terrible luck with Czech players: Nedved, Slegr, Beranek, Hlavac...and they were all lazy! So you see why I was wary. And to make things worse, Marek was terrible when he first started with the Canucks. But he soon adjusted and started playing better and better. I realized that he was no Hlavac, he actually worked really hard, and hey, he was a pretty competent defenceman! I'd have to say the exact moment I fell in love with this guy was when he was talking about convincing his wife, who wasn't pleased with Vancouver weather, that it was acutally a nice city. "Honey, honey, don't worry!..." haha. Anyway I grew to love this huge 6'5 oaf and his awkward skating and discombobulated but freakishly good puckhandling skills. Now I hope he never leaves! |
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Caber was a favourite of mine from the '95 World Juniors, and I was happy when he came to the Canucks (after I got over the initial shock and outrage of Trevor Linden being traded). McCabe quickly became my new favourite Canuck because of his tough, hard-hitting style. I was hoping he'd be a big part of the Canucks' future, as he was one of five great young d-men we had. Alas, it was not meant to be and he was shipped off to Chicago in the Sedin draft-day deal...I was upset,and I'm not thrilled that he's with the Leafs right now, but I still like how he plays. |
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There was a time, earlier in 2003-04, that I wouldn't have included this least heralded member of the Canucks' Big Line on this list. But that all changed late in the season. But let's start at the beginning. I first heard of Mo when he won the Hobey Baker and they interviewed him on HNIC during the playoffs (a clip which, much to my delight, they played on After Hours this year). I heard he was from Pitt Meadows and wished the Canucks could've gotten him...a few years later I got my wish and he came here in the Mogilny trade. I wanted to really like Mo very much. He was a local boy and he had great offensive skill. But I always thought that he didn't play up to his potential. He didn't always play with passion, he'd disappear for games at a time. I even thought this for part of 2003-04. But maybe he was just getting lost between Nazzy and Bert, because when Bert went out, boy did Mo ever step up. He was beauty down the stretch and just amazing in the playoffs. He was finally playing like a true number one centre and he could play to his full capabilities. After this year, I really do admire and love Mo and I'm glad! Plus he capped it off by grabbing gold in Prague with Cookie. |
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It's hard not be a fan of this super Swede. Nazzy's got an amazing shot, he's so talented and skilled, and he seems like a great guy. I think he is a great captain because he works really hard and the players respect him. He may be a superstar but he doesn't walk around witha chip on his shoulder, which is nice. He's definitely one of the top 5 players in the NHL. The only problem with Nazzy is that he's so hard on himself, so if something goes wrong it seems like the sky's falling. But when he's on, he's bloody amazing. Please don't go back to Sweden yet! |
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That would be Scott Niedermayer, not to be confused with his overrated younger brother Rob. Although I'll give Robbie credit, he had a great Worlds in Prague. Anyways, Scott is an amazing defenceman, he sort of got overshadowed by Scott Stevens all those years, but with Stevens injured this year Niedermayer stepped into the spotlight, and look at this, he's up for the Norris. He's a beauty skater and could've been an almost-Bobby Orr if he played for a more offensive team. Solid as a rock too. He's a true champion: the only player to win a Memorial Cup, the World Juniors, Stanley Cup, Olympics and World Championships...now he just needs to win the World Cup! :D |
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Another one of our Super Swedes! Mattias is arguably the best defenceman on the Canucks. Certainly in 2003-04 he was the best (should've gotten a Norris nomination). One thing is for sure that Ohlie and Jovo make up one of the best one-two punches on D is the league. Ohlie is the definition of workhorse, rakcing up incredible minutes without ever seeming to tire. He's rock solid on D and has offensive skill too. This guy is just amazing and is one of Pat Quinn's all-time best draft picks. |
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It pains me to put up a Blues pic...I wish Ozzie would get traded to a competent team. Anyway I've been an Osgood fan forever, since about 1996. I've taken my fair share of abuse for supporting him but he came through and won the Cup in 1998 and no one can take that away from him. He had a lot of critics and he proved them wrong with his solid play in the playoffs that year. I don't care what people say about how the Wings could've won with anyone in net, because I know that you can't win the Cup without great goaltending. I admire Ozzie for his resilience and mental toughness, and when it comes down to it, he really is a good goalie. |
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Another kick-ass World Junior alum. Phillips is a super-solid D-man for the Sens, and an ex-Wheatie! He may not be an offensive force but he gets the job done in his own end. He's progressed every year and has developed into a very reliable pointman. |
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I've been a fan of Félix The Cat since his amazing Leaf days. I was absolutely thrilled when he came to the Canucks, even though it meant giving up Billy Muckalt and Davey Scatchard (...and Kevin Weekes). I thought Félix was brutally and unfairly criticized by fans and media during his time in Vancouver...Sure, he didn't play his best hockey here. But there was no reason to treat him the way he was treated by Vancouver fans. I felt genuinely sorry for him. I said that Dan Cloutier was the most harassed man in Vancouver but actually that title goes to Potvin...But anyway, I was happy to see him turn his career around in LA. Boston hasn't been the best of times for him, but I don't think he's through just yet. And come on, he's got one of the spiffiest masks in the league! |
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I've been a fan of this ex-Wheat King since his first turn with the World Junior team in 1995. He's a steady, hard-working D-man who's risen up to be one of the top young blueliners in the NHL. This was confirmed with his recent selection to Team Canada for the 2004 World Cup. My bet is this will help catapault Redden into an even higher level of play as he continues his ascent into the elite of the NHL. |
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I don't think I can actually describe how excited I was when I saw that the Canucks drafted Brandon Reid. During Burkie's reign over the Canucks, my biggest beef (okay, only beef...) with him was that he rarely drafted well, and often passed over players I liked. So drafting Reider, my favourite Q'er, was a huge thrill. I first saw him when he played for Team Canada at the 2000 WJC, where he was the team's leading scorer. He came back for the next year and also played in two Mem Cups with Halifax and Val d'Or. He had this incredible lightning speed and could put the puck in the net. They say he's 5'9, but that's clearly lies. There's no way he tops 5'8. I can't wait till he earns a full-time spot with the Canucks! |
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I really like and admire Burnaby Joe...it's just too bad that he plays for one of the most evil teams in hockey! He's gotta be the best players ever to come out of BC. He's a great leader in the Steve Yzerman vein...I like how he's a superstar but so low-profile and low-key, kind of like Markus Naslund. And such amazing skill too. The Salt Lake performance just proved what a clutch player he is. Now if there was only a way to get him out of Colorado... |
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In the past I might have resisted putting Sanderson on this list. I've always been a fan, since the Hartford days with Andrew Cassels, but he annoys me with his periodic invisible stretches and general floater-ness. But really, pretty much all was forgiven after his most recent turn with the Canucks. Yes, he is streaky. But the highlights are just incredible. The game is missing excitement, and Sanderson provides just that with his incredible speed and thrilling rushes. He scored timely goals in the final stretch of the regular season, and provided that much-needed secondary scoring while working wonders with the Sedin twins. There were times out there when he looked like Pavel Bure. Just amazing. Yes, he remains a streaky player. But I hope that there's a way we can rengotiate his contract and keep him. And perhaps lure Cassels to re-join him?...hmm... |
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I'd love it if there was a way the Canucks could nab this guy. Not that we'd ever make trades with the Oilers, though. But if things were different...Smyth is the ultimate competitor. He's got hands and he's super tough. He's a playoff player and a leader, and he did a great job captaining Team Canada at the Worlds in Prague. Too bad the Oilers either miss the playoffs or lose in the first round every year. (Come to Vancouver, Ryan...) |
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I almost didn't put Spezza on my list...but he snuck in. I can look past the...cocky aura that he seems to posses. He's a very good player, who is NOT the next Greztky, but is a legitimate young star in his own right. Ottawa is super lucky to have him, what a great move it was to dump Yashin and get Jason. |
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This list absolutely would not be complete without Jamie Storr. One of my favourite hockey memories is the 1995 World Junior Championships (notice how many players from that team are on this list...), and Jamie was huge for Team Canada in Red Deer. I'll always remember Paul Romanuk saying "He shoots!...STORR!" and how much "Storr" sounded like "score"...haha. Anyway, I also discovered that Jamie is half Japanese, which I thought was super cool. He has a Japanese flag on the back of his mask in honour of his late mother, and he also has the name "Storr" written on the bottom front of his mask in katakana. Now how cool is that? I also think that his red Hurricanes version of his dargon mask is super-snazzy. Well, Jamie has struggled a bit to keep a permanent spot in the NHL, and he spent much of this season on the bench and in the minors. And I just discovered that he's signed with a German team...is he another of those rushing off to Europe in preparation for the lockout? If so, PLEASE come back after the lockout ends!! |
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Sullivan's gotta be the king of the small NHLer. I just love short speedy guys (see Letowski, Reid) and Sullivan is living proof that you don't have to be 6'4 to be an NHL star. I've been a fan of Sully since the Leaf days (hello? Pat Quinn, what were you thinking?! Waivers?!) and I wasn't surprised at all when he went to Chicago and lit it up. What a beauty pickup by Nashville eh? Burkie, where were you on that one? Oh well. |
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I love the toque-mask!!!...José was amazing in the 1996 WJC, where I first saw him. I've followed his career since then, and he's sure come far. He had that one great season where he won the Hart and Vezina, and he rebounded this year after an off-year to bring the Habs back to playoffs. He plays the guitar too! (see ep of Be A Player...shut up that show's cool...) Man, I love the Québec goalie factory... |
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Want a good, tangible reason why I like Thibault? Sorry, none forthcoming. I can't pinpoint when I started to like him, nor can I explain exactly what I like about him. Could it be the super-cool icecube mask that he wore as a Nordique? Could it have been his time in Montréal? Could it have been an epsiode of Be A Player? Well, okay, it wasn't that last thing but the first two are good bets. I like Québec goalies, and I think Thibault's purdy good. Kind of unfortunate that he plays for such a crappy team though. |
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Ah yes, this takes me back to the days when I actually liked the Leafs...the days before Belfour, the days of Alyn McCauley and CuJo and Steve Sullivan...yes, those were good days. So Stumpy Thomas was my favourite Leaf of all because he worked so darn hard and he was so clutch in OT. He was money in the playoffs and just was an overall great player to have on your team. Too bad he went to Detroit. Here's a guy who said he'd play FOR FREE for a Canadian team (last year at the deadline). His wife talked him out of it (grr) but he ended up with Anahiem and almost won the Cup. What a guy. |
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Stevie Y must be one of the best leaders of all-time. Not that I've seen all the great leaders or anything, but Stevie has all the qualifications. Here's a guy blessed with amazing talent (who hasn't been left in jaw-drop-inducing awe at some of the things he's done with the puck?), could easily have been a prennial 60-goal scorer, but gave up the gaudy offensive numbers to become a more complete player to better serve his team. Amazing. I can't believe he's still playing. Does he even have a good leg? And now he gets a puck in the eye and he just talks about slapping on a visor and getting right back out there. Man. I hope he's still in one piece when he actually does retire! |