Hockey
Hockey coverage across BC — from the community rinks to the pro arenas.
12 stories
The Pittsburgh Penguins inducted Vancouver Canucks Senior Advisor Jim Rutherford into their Hall of Fame as part of the 2026 class. Rutherford, a former Penguins general manager, helped the team win consecutive Stanley Cups in 2016 and 2017.
Fifteen years after his brother Rick's death by suicide, Wes Rypien says pro hockey has improved in handling mental health but worries about the pressure minor hockey puts on young athletes. He plans to advocate for reducing stress in youth hockey programs.
Flames prospect Ethan Wyttenbach leads all NCAA scorers with 59 points and plans to play one more college season before signing with Calgary. The 2025 sixth round pick could join the Flames late in the 2026-27 season and is expected to play for the USA at the World Juniors.
The article examines five key concerns for the Vancouver Canucks heading into the 2026-27 season, including generating enough five-on-five offense, the performance of Elias Pettersson, goaltending stability, penalty kill effectiveness, and overall team speed. The Canucks are in a rebuild after finishing last in the NHL in 2025-26.
Gavin McKenna's first season at Penn State produced 51 points in 35 games, a strong output that was nevertheless seen as disappointing given his previous dominance in the WHL. However, his significant improvement in the second half shows he adapted to the higher competition level, which may be more valuable for his development than another dominant junior season.
The PWHL head office maintains that the Vancouver Goldeneyes and the league's 11 other clubs are not for sale, despite league owner Mark Walter selling other sports entities amid a federal investigation. The Goldeneyes were a successful expansion team with strong attendance and merchandise sales in their debut season.
The Quebec Nordiques were a professional hockey team that played in the WHA and NHL from 1972 to 1995. Their history includes a fierce rivalry with the Montreal Canadiens, culminating in the infamous 'Good Friday Massacre' brawl, and their relocation to become the Colorado Avalanche.
The Buffalo Sabres are counting on young forwards Jiri Kulich, Noah Ostlund, and Konsta Helenius to make an impact in the 2026-27 season. Realistic expectations include Kulich scoring 25 goals and 50 points, Ostlund reaching 50 points with 40 assists, and Helenius hitting 20 goals and 45 points.
Spencer Knight had a breakout season with the Chicago Blackhawks in 2025-26, posting strong numbers despite the team allowing many chances. The article examines whether Knight can repeat that performance in 2026-27, predicting he may remain a bright spot but could see some regression in high-danger save percentage.
The Edmonton Oilers expect Vasily Podkolzin to take another step and provide secondary offense, while the Columbus Blue Jackets face a goaltending question after Elvis Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery. Meanwhile, Darryl Sutter reignited debate on why American stars leave Canadian teams, and the Detroit Red Wings continue to struggle finding a trade for Dylan Larkin.
The article profiles five NHL players under pressure to prove themselves this season, including Vancouver Canucks' former prospect Bowen Byram with the Chicago Blackhawks. Each player must deliver to justify their contracts and help their teams succeed.
Columbus Blue Jackets goaltender Elvis Merzlikins underwent shoulder surgery on Monday and is out indefinitely. The injury occurred during offseason workouts and leaves Jet Greaves as the expected starter with Pheonix Copley as backup.
Rink Wide: Vancouver features the most comprehensive coverage of the Vancouver Canucks. Game re-caps, previews, post-game and special guests beginning at the start of the preseason and running throughout the entire NHL season including the Stanley Cup playoffs and the opening of free agency. Join host and veteran Canucks reporter Jeff Paterson along with guest hosts, for the best hockey podcast in Vancouver.
Jamie Dodd and Canucks Reporter Thomas Drance combine to bring you the most comprehensive Canucks coverage in Vancouver. They dive into all the issues that matter for any diehard Canucks fan. Plus, hear exclusive interviews from the players and the team to stay up to date all season long.
Sat Shah has you covered with the most comprehensive Canucks show out there. The only real choice for the die-hard Canucks fan.
Sean Holmes-Smith, Tyler Noble, Chris Schneider, Devin Holmes-Smith, and Kevin Olenick talk Flames, Canucks, and Hockey in general
