Violence Ensues In Vancouver

In such cities like Dallas, TX or Los Angeles, CA we would expect to see such violence and/or rioting caused by their home team's victory or defeat. For the first time since the 1993-94 season, the Vancouver Canucks had their best opportunity to hoist professional hockey's "Holy Grail", Lord Stanley's Cup. After the Boston Bruins defeated the Canucks in a do-or-die Game 7 for their first Stanley Cup championship since the 1971-72 season, violence and rioting ensued in the streets of Vancouver, British Columbia.

It all started when Boston shutout Vancouver 4-0 and NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman awarded the Bruins the Stanley Cup. There were boos in the audience that rang so loud, that you could barely hear Bettman over the public address system. Few fans even threw objects onto the ice when Boston captain Zdeno Chara was presented the cup.

Violence then took to the streets. Cars were overturned and were set ablaze. Looting occurred in the downtown area at certain stores. Fans even threw bottles at the police which was reminiscent of Vancouver's 1994 Stanley Cup loss to the New York Rangers. Police used tear gas on the angry mob. Vancouver truly has a passion for hockey but this is madness and embarrassing. It makes us wonder what would happen if the Canucks would finally win the Stanley Cup. I always wondered anyway, "What is a Canuck?"