Throughout this past week, many sporting events have had Armed Forces Appreciation Night in honour of Remembrance Day. On Tuesday, November 9th, the Vancouver Canucks hosted Armed Forces Night and on Friday, November 12th, the BC Lions hosted their Salute to Service Night.
Many military personnel were in attendance at both events.
On Tuesday, the Canucks organization donated over 700 tickets to the Armed Forces. During warmup, players wore limited edition camo jerseys. They will be auctioned off on Vanbase.
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Before the game started, the emblems for each branch of the armed forces in Canada danced across the ice, as people had their flashlights on.
Sergeant Cindy Scott beautifully sang both national anthems, and was accompanied by the Canadian Armed Forces Flag party. Sergeant Scott’s voice literally gave me goosebumps.
During intermission, they brought out a military G-Wagon to giveaway prizes.
It was really cool to see the Canadian Armed Forces honoured like this. It’s something I’ve never seen before. However, it was a little disappointing seeing the lack of poppies that Canucks fans were wearing and I don’t think there was a place at Rogers Arena for people to get one either.
Overall, the entire atmosphere was very thrilling at the game. It was an intense game that kept everyone on the edge of their seats, and I don’t think I have ever passionately yelled “Ref you suck” as much as I did in that game.
Unfortunately, the Canucks fell to the Anaheim Ducks 3-2 in overtime.
On Friday, the BC Lions had their Salute to Service Night where hundreds of BC/Yukon Command Royal Canadian Legion and Canadian Armed Forces were in attendance.
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Before kickoff, Sergeant Cindy Scott once again sang the national anthem beautifully and then at halftime the White Spot Pipe Band performed their 4/4 March Set, which also gave me goosebumps.
The BC Lions were playing the Calgary Stampeders and they were both fighting for a playoff spot. The Stampeders won that fight.
Overall, it was really cool seeing these two major Vancouver sports organizations honour the Canadian Armed Forces and how many members were in attendance at both games. Personally, I think the Canucks did a better job at recognizing the Armed Forces throughout the night, whereas the main focus for the BC Lions was trying to win the game to clinch a playoff spot.
Looking forward to more appreciation nights in Vancouver throughout the season.