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Former Vancouver Canucks in Prince George for golf tournament supporting United Way

City thanks team for contributions, proclaims July 22 and 23 as ‘Canucks Day’

Since 1970, the Vancouver Canucks have made trips across B.C. to grow the game of hockey and give back to charities in need.

Several alumni of the 50-year-old club gathered at Prince George City Hall this morning (July 22) to raise a flag as a way to thank the team for their contributions to the community while also receiving an official proclamation that July 22 and 23 would be dubbed Vancouver Canucks Day. 

The former NHLers are also in town this week for the 12th Annual Commonwealth Cup as the team is the official tournament supporter.

Proceeds are going towards the United Way of Northern B.C. (UWNBC), who, in 2019, is distributing money to 39 not-for-profits in the city. 

“We literally turn away over 80 charities because there just isn't enough money,” UWNBC CEO Roberta Squire explained to PrinceGeorgeMatters as her organization was named the chosen charity for a second straight year. “People have really changed their mentality about donating to charity [...], so events like this are critical for us because it gives us that extra influx of money that goes straight back into the community.”

The golf tournament has raised over $300,000 for local charities from its 12 tournaments.

A hockey fan herself, Squire says it’s a privilege to see Canucks players she and other Prince George fans grew up watching is an added bonus.

“I’m kind of star-gazed right now! We have some great alumni and former Stanley Cup winners that are showing up for the tournament, including Darcy Rota. It’s really exciting, so if hockey is your thing, buy your tickets for next year so that you can rub shoulders with these guys and spend the day with them.”

Mayor Lyn Hall read an excerpt from the official proclamation for Vancouver Canucks Day.

“The Vancouver Canucks are British Columbia’s preeminent sports franchise and many citizens of Prince George are the biggest Canuck fans not only in the province but on the planet,” reads Hall. “Whereas the Vancouver Canucks Alumni have and shall continue to play a leadership role in helping kids throughout northern British Columbia.”

Former Prince George Cougar Ron Petrovicky was also in attendance for the flag-raising.

The Canucks logo will fly at city hall for the remainder of the week.

The Commonwealth Cup takes place at Aberdeen Glen Golf Club tomorrow (July 23) and while the golf itself is fully booked, a celebration banquet scheduled for tonight with tickets still available.

More information is on the tournament website.

You can also go to UWNBC’s website to make a personal donation.