Win it for Dad
We’ve heard #WinItForManny, but how about #WinItForDad?
I hate bringing myself into blog posts. But this is the Stanley Cup finals, where the emotion just boils over and rises to its highest peak.
As Canucks fans in 2011, we’ve had a lot to celebrate this season. After all, the team has been the NHL’s best virtually all season long; the league-best offense, defense, and special teams have paved the way to a President’s Trophy and now just two wins away from something never before achieved in the franchise’s 40 years. We’re lucky to live in these times, because there have been some dark days over that span.
I’m only 22 years old, so I only know half of the story that is the Vancouver Canucks’ 40-year history of ups and downs (mostly downs). My dad, however, has been following this team ever since they arrived from the Western League in 1970. Since then, he’s learned to become a bi-polar Canucks fan; high when the team is doing well, low when they’re at the worst. I can’t tell you how many times we’ve bickered about the play of Roberto Luongo or the captaincy of Henrik Sedin.
But it’s funny, because at some point after Alex Burrows did his best Brian Skrudland impression and gave the Canucks a 2-0 series lead just 11 seconds into overtime, I couldn’t help but think about my dad, and the 40 years he’s spent watching this team.
The truth is, on some level, I want the Canucks to win the Stanley Cup for my dad more than for myself. A Stanley Cup win would finally end the 40 years of frustration that’s been building up inside the hearts and minds of eternal Canucks fans.
I’m sure there’s someone you wish could be here to see this moment. Seeing the excitement of a hundred thousand Canucks fans marching down Robson and Granville like it was the 2010 Olympics was overwhelming; for long-time Canucks fans, it’s the kind of sight you’ve always dreamed about, but never thought it could ever happen; yet when it does happen, it still seems a little surreal.
I love the Canucks, but I love my dad more. It would be extra special if the Canucks could win a Stanley Cup for him.
