The Canucks are getting closer to securing a deal to build a permanent practice facility in East Vancouver, according to the NHL team’s president of hockey operations.
At an end-of-season media availability Friday, Jim Rutherford said “everything is in place” for a future rink at Britannia Community Centre on Commercial Drive.
He noted that the organization has been close to securing a rink a couple of other times in the past few years, only for things to fall apart, but they are “further down the road to the finish line” for Britannia.
Rutherford said the Canucks are just waiting on the public’s opinion.
“That we’re not doing something that we’re upsetting people in the neighbourhood that have lived there forever,” he told reporters, adding that the plan for the building includes upgrades for local residents.
“We should be able to make an announcement in the near future… I’m just going to keep my fingers crossed” Rutherford said.
Craig Ollenberger, member of the Britannia’s board of directors, told CTV News he would “certainly be happy to have” the Canucks practice there, if they can also provide some of the facilities the centre needs, such as a community kitchen and training rooms.
“We’re always excited to have any partners down here that can bring resources to the community, because the community really needs that. And, you know, everybody loves the Canucks, even in a hard year,” he said.
He added the rink sees high use in the mornings and evenings, and some during the day, but there is room for the NHL teem.
However, Ollenberger said the centre’s support for the project hinges on some key details that the board hasn’t been made aware of. He said the City of Vancouver has been in extensive talks with the Canucks, but little information has been shared with the board.
When asked about Rutherford’s remarks, the city told CTV News it would not comment on the status of any discussions related to specific sites or land-use matters.
Specifically, the Britannia board wants assurance a Canucks practice facility will not hinder the replacement of the community centre’s aging pool, which is expected to be part of the next capital plan.
Hellosweetparadox
Explains the price hike to season tickets wouldn’t not be surprise if concessions and parking all get a hike as well no way berries and this club alone pays for it.
TheKennyLoggins
Needs two sheets so they can have proper practices (e.g. clean sheet for pp practice, two groups at the same time during camps) and less community schedule disruption.
metrichustle
Let’s make the Canucks an elite organization where free agents sign discounts to come here!
Sarcastic__
Hopefully, this gets finalized at some point in the summer, if not sooner. I imagine this will be one of Rutherford’s final moves after hiring a GM and maybe his replacement as well.
XxSchmidtyx
I just hope it’s actually a facility, not just a rink with the Canucks logo on it, watch the Utah Mammoths practice facility video and you’ll see what I mean, that’s what attracts players
dreddi84
Need 2 sheets or not worth imo
wallnutxjames
Honestly for all the opinions people have for JR, for facilitating a rebuild and getting this close to a practice rink, if it all goes through we owe him a park bench or fountain
Green_Gumboot
Throw in a reserved spot in the grass for team picnics at Grandview park.
Yvr_Fireman
1 sheet of ice, it should have been 2 minimum. It sure beats no practice facility. The Aqua is doing minimal off the ice. He’s a magician who gives the illusion he is doing everything by spending to the cap and then off ice. He’s cut the operation to the bone. Look how hollow the staff is beyond the top tier
igiveaputt
First the owners give in and allow a rebuild. Now, they get a practice facility. Will the third thing they do is actually give full reigns to a GM with zero involvement????
Select_Way_5176
So Aquilini still won’t spend the money. . We’re doomed
ImAnAfricanCanuck
Honestly really excited about this, I live nearby and would love to build it.
EverySecondCountss
I swear if ANYONE TOUCHES THAT MURAL IN THE BACK I WILL GO APE SHIT.
14 Comments
The Canucks are getting closer to securing a deal to build a permanent practice facility in East Vancouver, according to the NHL team’s president of hockey operations.
At an end-of-season media availability Friday, Jim Rutherford said “everything is in place” for a future rink at Britannia Community Centre on Commercial Drive.
He noted that the organization has been close to securing a rink a couple of other times in the past few years, only for things to fall apart, but they are “further down the road to the finish line” for Britannia.
Rutherford said the Canucks are just waiting on the public’s opinion.
“That we’re not doing something that we’re upsetting people in the neighbourhood that have lived there forever,” he told reporters, adding that the plan for the building includes upgrades for local residents.
“We should be able to make an announcement in the near future… I’m just going to keep my fingers crossed” Rutherford said.
Craig Ollenberger, member of the Britannia’s board of directors, told CTV News he would “certainly be happy to have” the Canucks practice there, if they can also provide some of the facilities the centre needs, such as a community kitchen and training rooms.
“We’re always excited to have any partners down here that can bring resources to the community, because the community really needs that. And, you know, everybody loves the Canucks, even in a hard year,” he said.
He added the rink sees high use in the mornings and evenings, and some during the day, but there is room for the NHL teem.
However, Ollenberger said the centre’s support for the project hinges on some key details that the board hasn’t been made aware of. He said the City of Vancouver has been in extensive talks with the Canucks, but little information has been shared with the board.
When asked about Rutherford’s remarks, the city told CTV News it would not comment on the status of any discussions related to specific sites or land-use matters.
Specifically, the Britannia board wants assurance a Canucks practice facility will not hinder the replacement of the community centre’s aging pool, which is expected to be part of the next capital plan.
Explains the price hike to season tickets wouldn’t not be surprise if concessions and parking all get a hike as well no way berries and this club alone pays for it.
Needs two sheets so they can have proper practices (e.g. clean sheet for pp practice, two groups at the same time during camps) and less community schedule disruption.
Let’s make the Canucks an elite organization where free agents sign discounts to come here!
Hopefully, this gets finalized at some point in the summer, if not sooner. I imagine this will be one of Rutherford’s final moves after hiring a GM and maybe his replacement as well.
I just hope it’s actually a facility, not just a rink with the Canucks logo on it, watch the Utah Mammoths practice facility video and you’ll see what I mean, that’s what attracts players
Need 2 sheets or not worth imo
Honestly for all the opinions people have for JR, for facilitating a rebuild and getting this close to a practice rink, if it all goes through we owe him a park bench or fountain
Throw in a reserved spot in the grass for team picnics at Grandview park.
1 sheet of ice, it should have been 2 minimum. It sure beats no practice facility. The Aqua is doing minimal off the ice. He’s a magician who gives the illusion he is doing everything by spending to the cap and then off ice. He’s cut the operation to the bone. Look how hollow the staff is beyond the top tier
First the owners give in and allow a rebuild. Now, they get a practice facility. Will the third thing they do is actually give full reigns to a GM with zero involvement????
So Aquilini still won’t spend the money. . We’re doomed
Honestly really excited about this, I live nearby and would love to build it.
I swear if ANYONE TOUCHES THAT MURAL IN THE BACK I WILL GO APE SHIT.