Vancouver’s playoff fever is at an all-time high as the Canucks battle it out in the postseason, now in round 2 after downing the Nashville Predators in round 1. But while fans flock to Rogers Arena or pack bars to cheer on their team, some noticed a curious change on TransLink buses. The once-familiar “Go Canucks Go” message had been replaced with the generic “Go Team Go”.
Driving around #Vancouver today, I saw a bunch of buses with “GO TEAM GO” on the display.
We all know it’s the #Canucks. Is there really a need for this to be generic?
— Walter Siu (@waterboy99troop) April 21, 2024
The change left fans perplexed. A TransLink spokesperson explained that the buses are limited in the number of messages they can display, and “Go Canucks Go” might exclude other local teams like the Vancouver Whitecaps and BC Lions. This decision stems from a change made years ago.
The Canucks-specific message was a familiar sight during the team’s 2011 glory days and was welcomed without complaint. Similar messages like “Go Whitecaps Go” and “Go Canada Go” (during the 2010 Winter Olympics) have also adorned the buses in the past.
Despite the explanation, fans aren’t thrilled about the generic message. TransLink says they still support the Canucks with initiatives like encouraging operators to wear jerseys and the use of Canucks PA announcer Al Murdoch on SkyTrain. But, for many, it’s not quite the same as seeing that iconic message scrolling across their bus.
A TransLink bus in downtown Vancouver during the 2012 playoffs (ascotscanadianadventure.wordpress.com)
Fans Win: TransLink Responds to the Backlash
The outpouring of disappointment on social media didn’t go unnoticed. TransLink swiftly responded, poking fun at themselves with a tweet saying, “Go Team Go! (Don’t worry, we’re changing it.)”
Go Team Go!
⁰⁰⁰(Don’t worry, we’re changing it.)— News from TransLink (@TransLinkNews) May 4, 2024
A TransLink spokesperson confirmed the return of “Go Canucks Go” as a display option for bus drivers. While the exact timeline is unclear, this news, accompanied by the Canucks’ series win over the Preds, has sent positive vibes throughout the city.
While it may seem like a small change, the “Go Canucks Go” message has become a symbol of civic pride and community excitement during playoff season. Its absence sparked a sense that something was missing in the city’s support for its biggest sports team. TransLink’s quick response and willingness to reinstate the message shows they recognize the importance of these symbols for fostering a sense of shared spirit and demonstrates the power of fan voices.