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I am as excited as the next person to see another NHL season with our Vancouver Canucks, not to mention the fact they have finally welcomed fans back in their home of Rogers Arena after a nearly 20-month shutout! The past preseason games we have hosted have followed our Public Health Officers order of 50% capacity, however, Dr. Bonnie Henry might just win MVP since sharing on Tuesday that the Canucks might be playing for sold-out crowds in two weeks!

Currently, British Columbia is the only province with COVID-19 safety protocols restricting the number of spectators at an indoor event as it remains business as usual for our neighbouring provinces to the east. Rogers Arena is used to housing 18,910 screaming fans, that they have since trickled down to 9,350. Showing proof of at least having your first dose and wearing your mask unless actively eating or drinking are just a few additional precautions to ensure a safe return to play.

Another factor to take into account is that by October 24, all patrons will be required to show proof of being double vaccinated through the BC Vaccine Passport program. “Our intent was always when the full vaccine card came into effect that we would be able to go to 100 percent capacity and take away some of the other restrictions that we have in some events, like around dancing and remaining seated. So those are things we are looking at,” she said Tuesday.

With the drop of the hints from Dr. Bonnie Henry that we might see a capacity restriction on our Vancouver Canucks games lifted, the Vancouver Canucks have responded by continuing to sell single-game tickets to capacity. Don’t fret – if Henry backs down, the tickets will be refunded, and handfuls of fans will need to continue to watch from home like we have been practicing for several months now… *sigh*