Author Archives: Dean Herman

Canucks – Who could fill the Captaincy

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The Canucks are bad.

You can tell that by taking a quick glance at the standings, you cant get worse than finishing last.  

But for the analyst or fans that are in too deep, we know there’s something wrong on a deeper level here. Over the years, there’s been rumors of locker room divides, commitment issues, or whatever the heck happened between the team and JT Miller. But there’s always one word that keeps coming up. 

Culture. 

With Quinn Hughes being shipped off to Minnesota in December and the team being more dead than doornails and finishing last in the league, this gives the perfect opportunity to give a hard reset to the teams culture.  

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(Dean Herman)

But who is the best candidate? What does it mean to be captain? 

For me, I only see three realistic options. 

#1 Brock Boeser 

Brock is the popular choice, he choose to stay here last July when he was an unrestricted free agent. His contract runs for another 6 years, the man bleeds blue and green and gives his best effort every time he steps on the ice.  

The downside on Boeser is he is too connected to a core that couldn’t work together, isn’t vocal or rugged enough to do the job. There’s also the argument that Boeser doesn’t have enough high-end talent to demand resect and control of the room, he’s got a whippersnapper shot and a decent stick but there has been concerns over his speed for years, which will only worsen as he gets older. 

Then again, you don’t really need a top end guy to captain a rebuild, you want a guy who can wrangle all the young players you bring in and teach them. 

Let’s move on. 

 

#2 Filip Hronek 

The stock for Hronek being the next captain has been on the rise. He picked up the vacant letter after Hughes was traded and was part of the leadership group on the Cech Olympic team. His contract runs for another 5 years so you don’t have to worry about him taking off in the short term. Filip has expressed multiple times that he has enjoyed his time in Vancouver and has no intentions on leaving.  

The knock on Hronek is that he doesn’t care to speak to the media, he spent over a season and a half after coming to the Canucks without speaking to the media.  

#3 Nobody 

Probably the most reasonable option, leaving the captaincy vacant if you have to scratch and claw to defend choosing a captain off the team as it is assembled now, you’re probably better off not having one. 

This allows someone to step up and cement themselves to be chosen for the position next year, or until a young star player from the draft is mature enough to step into the role. Having a fresh face would allow the potential for a full fix of the toxic culture problems in the locker-room. Leaving the fans only to hope the next wave of Canucks won’t fall into the same pits as the last core did.   

The Guide to Getting into Vancouver Sports

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Trying to break into the sports scene in a city as big as Vancouver can feel intimidating.

So many different teams from all sports and leagues to choose from. All while everyone else seems to already know the players, the stats, even some of the analytics. This can seem daunting for a new fan, almost like there’s some level of gatekeeping going on. 

But here’s the thing, the city makes it easier than you think to jump in, whether you want to watch, play, or just understand what everyone’s yelling about. 

The easiest way to get into sports is to start with one team from your favorite sport and just follow along. Like barnacles attached to a boat out in the marina, you’re just along for the ride. 

In Vancouver, that usually means the Vancouver Canucks, but at the moment. I highly recommend choosing literally any other team unless you enjoy putting yourself through emotional roller coasters and massive disappointments. Not to mention, they won’t be back in action till the fall.  

A better choice might be the whitecaps who are off to one of the best starts in MLS history. But the Canadians or BC Lions would be a stellar choice as well.  

And don’t feel like you have to drop a wad of cash on tickets right away. Some of the best introductions to sports happen outside the stadium. Watching a game at a packed bar or even with friends that can explain any confusing moments into learning opportunities or humorous moments. And honestly, part of the fun is learning as you go. Ask questions or look things up mid-game. Nobody starts as an expert. 

When you do get invested enough to go a game, brace yourself for an experience you’ll never forget. Games can feel like some kind of rave. You’ve got chants, drums, music, and a crowd that will raise the roof with an electric buzz that will make you feel that you’re not just watching the game, you’re part of it.  

Another milestone of sports fandom is getting that first jersey. Whether it’s a blank or a player you felt attached to, you will have an emotional connection with the uniform for the rest of your life. 

If you really want to connect with sports on a deeper level, try playing. Vancouver is full of options in all sports for beginners, including hockey, baseball, soccer, pickleball, and many more. 

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(Pexels)

For the TLDR, getting into sports in Vancouver isn’t about knowing  every little thing, even if it may seem that way. It’s about living an experience. Start with one team, one game, or even one moment that grabs your attention. From there, it builds naturally. 

And before you know it, you’re a total fanatic. 

What your Favorite Vancouver Sports Team says about You

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The city of Vancouver has a ton of sports teams to choose from, sports culture is basically a personality trait here.  Here’s what your favorite team says about you. 

Canucks 

If you’ve still got the Vancouver Canucks pinned as your favorite team, first of all… respect. You’ve been put through the ringer, and more than most people would be willing to endure. You’re loyal to a fault and probably have some serious trust issues and slight emotional damage. You’ve grown accustomed to being over promised and massively let down nearly every time.  

And if you get some kind of sick enjoyment out of that, I suggest you start considering seeing a therapist. 

 

Whitecaps 

If you’re backing the Whitecaps FC, you like slightly niche things, and but your soccer fandom might run deeper than just the local team. You appreciate global culture and the bigger picture. And you like being part of something that feels bigger than just the city. 

You also might be a little high strung as the Whitecaps future in Vancouver is up in the air due to needing both a new owner and stadium. So, being a Whitecaps fan requires a long-term mindset and a touch of optimism. 

 

Lions 

You’re laid back if you’re repping the BC Lions, you are the monk of Vancouver sports fans. You’re chill, like a good time, but you’re not all about that stress. You take advantage of the summer games, cheap tickets, and the fact that you can move around the stadium without fighting through a crowd. No matter what the end result of the game is, somehow it always ends up being a positive experience. 

 

Canadians 

If you’re all in on the Vancouver Canadians, you bring the same energy as play-by-play guy, Rob Fae. A little manic, but positive, confident, and always up for a good time. If this level of baseball is at the you of your list, it’s not just about the game, it’s about the experience. 

 You like hanging out, eating hotdogs and popcorn, and enjoying a warm evening without taking things too seriously. And you’re probably the most down-to-earth sports fan in your friend group.  

At least until the MLB comes to town. 

 

Warriors 

You fall into one of two categories if you’re crazy about the Warriors.  

Option one is you jumped on the fan bandwagon after one of the best seasons in franchise history for the team. The Warriors definitely gained some new fans after an electric fast paced campaign. 

Option two is you’re either ahead of the curve or just like being different. Lacrosse doesn’t always get the spotlight, but maybe that’s kind of part of the appeal. Your part of the movement that’s going to make the NLL feel like it belongs as part of the unique West Coast culture. 

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(Pexels)

Are Aggressive Betting Ads Ruining Sports?

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No matter what sports you watch in this day and age, there’s always one thing you can escape. 

 Even before the game starts, you’ve been told the odds. Graphics flash across the screen. A panel debates point spreads instead of line changes. Commercial breaks aren’t selling cars or sneakers anymore; they’re pushing apps like PlayNow or FanDuel and even using celebrities or former players to do so.  

Youve seen it more times than you can count, risk-free bets and boosted odds, you’ll walk away with winnings in your pocket, for sure.  

Even when you’re not watching the game it’s inescapable. Even your favorite sports podcasts have sponsored betting segments being crammed down your throat. 

Now, sports gambling isn’t new. It’s been around forever, dating back to pools, friendly bets, that one friend who thinks he’s ahead of the game.  

However, since Canada legalized single-game betting in 2021, the floodgates have been opened. Betting is no longer something happening on the side, it’s like it became mandatory and baked into the broadcast itself. It feels like its gotten out of hand, you can even bet on how long the national anthem will take to sing. 

It’s not that gambling exists. It’s how aggressively and constantly it’s being pushed. And its all aimed at the younger audience, especially the 18–34 crowd. Once kids get into sports betting, it becomes a hard habit to break. The betting stops feeling optional and becomes a part of the game. I’ve seen people get sucked into it. 

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(Pexels)

Even athletes and celebrities are getting in on it. Just in the NHL alone, names like Evander Kane and Shane Pinto have been suspended for having their names linked to betting. And we have no idea what’s going on in the shadows. If you get the chance, look up operation slapshot sometime, the story of how Wayne Gretzky, Rick Tocchet and others ran an illegal sports gambling ring.  

So, its betting single handedly ruining sports? Not really, at least not yet. I actually had someone say to me that it’s the greed of people that are ruining sports.  

Gambling adds a layer to the experience that can be fun in moderation, and ruin peoples lives once it consumes them. If we haven’t experienced it, we all know a story when someone couldn’t hold their gambling addiction. 

When betting becomes the loudest voice in the room, it can begin to shift what sports are about. 

Streaming VS Live Sports

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Picture this, it’s a Saturday night, the Canucks are on, you recline back in your chair, your hockey group chat is buzzing, and you’ve got all the snacks and drinks your heart could desire right at your fingertips. 

Here’s the question, if we can watch everything on demand in crystal-clear HD from our couch, why would we ever go to a live game? 

When I went to my first ever live NHL game against the Jets a few years ago, it was magical. I mean, it probably helped that the Canucks stomped them 5-0, but when I first walked in, you could immediately feel the aura when you get into the seating area. The ring of honour, the retired jerseys, decades of history happened here. There’s a feeling in the air that doesn’t translate through a screen. 

When a goal is scored, it’s not just something you watch; it’s something you experience, together. The sound hits you like an eighteen-wheeler, people jump out of their seats and scream at the top of their lungs, stranger’s high-five like they’ve known each other for years. And for a few seconds, nothing else matters. That’s the difference, at home, you’re watching the game, but live, you’re part of it. 

Especially if a hotbed like Vancouver, sports aren’t just entertainment, it’s part of our culture, it’s in our veins.  

On the other hand, steaming has completely changed the game when it comes to sports. You can pause, rewind, switch angles, and catch every replay without worrying about missing anything. 

Take the Canucks for example, regardless of them being awful why would you shell out hundreds of dollars and drag yourself out to Rogers Arena to be crowded in with an ocean of people, with extremely overpriced concession, and in this case a terrible product. 

I went to a Canucks game this year, one of the worst mistakes of my life. It was the game where the Rangers came to town, the return of JT Miller and the last chance to see goaltending legend Jonathan Quick in BC. Should be a slam dunk, right?  

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(Dean Herman)

The Canucks got shut out 2-0 in one of the most boring games I’ve ever seen, not to mention some old man with the voice of an ear piercing banshee that cut through the air would not cease screaming about pineapple on pizza and confection ovens at Quick every time the puck came to his end. It got so bad I started hoping the Canucks would not even get into the offensive zone. I wish I had just stayed in my dorm and played NHL instead. 

Not to mention, modern fandom isn’t just about getting to watch the game. Half the experience now is reacting online, you’re now part of a much bigger conversation.  

So, are live sports still worth it? 

Well yea, of course they are, just maybe not as much as they once were. 

Steaming gives you control of the game, but live sports gives you an experience, you’ll never remember each and every game you watched on your recliner while covered in Cheeto dust, but you’ll remember every time you went to the arena or stadium for the rest of your life. In a world where almost everything is available to you at any time, to be there in the moment surrounded by people reacting the same way you are,
well, that’s something you can’t DVR. 

Potential MLB Team in Vancouver Raises Concern’s

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On April 22nd, 2026, Vancouver Mayor, Ken Sim pitched a motion to city council that would start the process of identifying and evaluating potential owners to bring an MLB (Major League Baseball) team to Vancouver. 

 Mayor Sim said, “Our office has been approached by serious proponents regarding a potential bid for the MLB” this isn’t exactly out of left field, as Vancouver has been in talks for years as a potential expansion franchise for the league. 

In kind of a shocking turn of events, the council approved the motion with all but one counselor in opposition. Counselor Orr said he did not vote to approve the motion because the mayor would not clarify what parties were interested in bringing a franchise team to Vancouver. In addition to this, Orr brought up Vancouver’s inability to keep hold of their NBA team, The Vancouver Grizzlies, and the uncertain future of the Vancouver Whitecaps in MLS that only seems to get more dramatic each day. 

I mean, he’s kind of like Oscar the grouch, but is he wrong?

The cost to bring an MLB team to the city would be astronomical; we’re talking about big league numbers here. The proposal has something looking at north of $4 billion for expansion fees alone, and then an estimated about $1.5 billion for a new stadium as despite venues such as BC Place and Nat Baily Stadium, Vancouver does not have a stadium suitable for an MLB team. 

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This has led to concerns from the locals. Even though it was stated that the city will prefer private funding with no plans for taxpayer dollars will go toward the stadium, skeptics doubt that the cost will be able to be fully covered without it. There’s also the belief that the funds could be spent in better places. Vancouver already has affordability issues and a housing crisis, a new stadium could put further strain on traffic and transit congestion and could potentially take away from land that could be used to develop more housing. 

On a more positive note, even though it is way ahead of the time to do this, the most fun part about getting a new sports franchise is the speculation of the potential name. Here’s a couple that have fans the most excited. The Vancouver Spirit Bears, the Lumberjacks, and the Pacifics. 

Regardless of the end result, the potential of an MLB franchise coming to Vancouver is an exciting time across the province. 

What it’s like to be a Sports Broadcaster

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In Vancouver, the Canucks are king when it comes to the sporting world. Hundreds of kids across the country win the Stanly Cup in their driveways and dream one of one day playing in the show and bringing that dream to reality.  

But what happens when you can no longer achieve that dream? For me, it was pivoting to sports broadcasting. I can remember a time in my early years of elementary school, I decided during lunch I was going to do play by play while my classmates played ball hocky on the hardtop, one of my friends turned to me and commented that I sounded good at it, and from that moment, I was hooked. 

I had grown up hearing the legendary voices of Jim Hughson and John Shorthouse on the TV, and for me, they weren’t just commentators; they were the sound of hockey. To this day I still get goosebumps while listening to Alex Burrows knock of the Chicago Blackhawks in 2011 or the numerous, “Great save, Luongo!” from Jim Hughson. A good play by play guy can elevate the moment, not just call it. 

But where to start? You can’t exactly walk into an arena and start yapping into a mic. Thanks to an opportunity from the BCIT Radio Arts and Entertainment course, and also the unfortunate case of one of my friends leaving, I got the chance to step in to do play by play for the Port Moody Panther’s in the PJHL. 

So, what is it like to be a sports broadcaster in a lower-level league? Let me tell you, it is the best job I’ve ever had. I show up a couple hours early to do prep and set up the equipment. I love the sounds on the rink, freshly sharpened skates carving up the ice, the locker room stench and the general dampness of it all. There’s no place I’d rather be.

and then it’s show time. Whether the home team wins or losses it’s always a good time for me. Even though the playoff run was short lived, I am unbelievably hyped to come back next season to run it back and further improve and home in on my skills as a broadcaster, storyteller, and stat nerd. 

For anyone looking to get into play by play or sports broadcasting, and I know there is a lot out there, the Radio Arts and Entertainment, although it has had its ups and downs, it has opened more doors for me than I thought possible. I know find myself with not only paid play by play experience under my belt, but a hot radio personality prospect, and sending out demo reels with work fully voiced and produced by me to talent agencies for voice acting. 
Its just like the great one says, you miss 100% of the shots you don’t take. 

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How Good is a Vancouver Warriors Game?

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Vancouver is a well-known hotspot for sports teams, boosting a major league team for almost every sport. Everyone knows the Canucks, Lions, and even the Whitecaps.  

However, one team is almost never mentioned, the Warriors. Yea, the box lacrosse team in the NLL. Their season might be over, but the hype is far from dying.  

The 2025-26 season was a new high for the Warriors as they had a record of 13-5 and finished first overall in the league. You can’t do much better than that. This was extremely important for the team, as it was their first playoff berth since 2017, and the first since they rebranded from the Vancouver Stealth to the Warriors.  

So, I can hear you asking, that’s great man, but where are you going with this?
Well, as I guy who is fanatical about hockey, yet knows jack all about lacrosse, I ended up falling backward into going to a game with a handful of buddies after a student networking event in January.  

Now, like I said, I’m used to hockey, so when the Warriors went down 6-1 at the beginning of the game, I thought it was over. I mean, they even sent in the backup goalie for a few moments.  

So imagine our surprise when they stormed back and tied the game on a shorthanded rush goal. The fella’s and I all went nuts. 

The Warriors didn’t look back after that and continued to stomp their opponent for the rest of the first half. We actually got tired of cheering as they really racked up the score. With Jesse King and Christian Del Bianco making a lasting impression on me. 

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(Dean Herman)

So, the whole point of this, would I recommend going to a Vancouver Warriors game? 

Well, yea, I think I would, especially to anyone with a passing to heavy interest in lacrosse. The prices are much less absorbent than say, a Canucks game, and the product is significantly better too. The building also has just as much of a buzz in it as you would expect from any event held within Rogers Arena. 

The one piece of advice I have to give is, if you’re unaware of how high the score can get, don’t go all out with the celebration. By about the 8th goal we were all kind of cheered and did not want to end up losing our voice any further.  

Eating jellyfish on a budget

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Vancouver is really expensive. Its affordability and cost of living issues have been well documented. So it’s important that you know where to go to get the best bang for your buck when you go out to eat. Especially if you’re taking someone out. 

 Let me introduce you to a small place, quaintly named, Chinatown BBQ. 

It’s a hole in the wall restaurant in Chinatown that you might not even notice if you’re not looking for it. 

It’s a relatively small place with only about 10 tables inside the building. But this small place hides a massive secret. It’s like the Tardis from Doctor Who but for food in Chinatown.  

Being a broke college kid, I’m not exactly willing to spend the big buck when I go out to eat. So we settled on the BBQ pork. Looks good, and only thirteen bucks.  

It comes out on this big plate on a huge bed of rice. Yea, that’s great, I hear you say, but the taste is kind of the most important part when it comes to food. For what it is, a simple and inexpensive dish, it was freaking phenomenal.  

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After demolishing that, something else on the menu caught my eye. Something you might not see in very many other places.  

Jellyfish 

Yes, jellyfish. Now, I have never had a jellyfish before. I was expecting something like a soup with a couple of the tiny one’s floating around in the broth.  

Boy, could I have not been more wrong. It looked like glass noodles, but cold and kind of crunchy. The only seasoning it had was a little bit of chili oil. Safe to say, I was a little underwhelmed. Although, it’s still a cool story to tell, only cost me like $20 altogether, and at least I can say I’ve eaten jellyfish. Since then, I’ve actually made it my own side quest to try unique and weird foods whenever I had a chance, including the mentioned jellyfish, gochujang, and sea cucumber. 

Wow, I went on a tangent. Let’s get back on track. My point was, its like a cheat code at life to know where the best places to eat ona budget is. You don’t want to be eating instant ramen noodles in your dorm every night. Chinatown BBQ absolutely makes that list. If you want to discover a secret part of food culture in Vancouver, this is the place to do it.  

Vancouver’s Sports/Culture Guide to this Weekend

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Looking to get more involved in the sports or culture scene in Vancouver this weekend? Or even just looking for hangout opportunities or date ideas? Well, this is your guide to the Vancouver sports and culture events this weekend, Friday, May 1st to Sunday, May 3rd.  

Starting off on Friday at Nat Bailey Stadium, The Vancouver Canadians take on the Hillsboro Hops for an all-weekend long matchup. That’s right! Three days. Three matches. One of the most underrated sports experiences in the city. Great place to take the family out to or enjoy a stadium dog with a couple buddies. Tickets are super affordable, starting as low as $37, but they are going fast.  

An afternoon ball game is the perfect way to spend a fair-weather weekend. 

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If you’re looking to slow things down, the Museum of Vancouver just opened its exhibit featuring work by Gu Xion, and it might be worth your time. 

His art explores themes like personal identity, migration, and cultural memory. The exhibit mixes sculpture, photography, video, and large-scale installations. And the best part, it’s not some boring, glum, just the facts kind of way, it’s all about personal connection. 

Vancouver is one of the most multicultural cities in Canada, making it the perfect placed to host such an exhibit. This is the place to go for a quiet, thoughtful rest of the mind. 

 

If you want something louder, head downtown and catch the Vancouver Whitecaps FC at BC Place. They take on the LA Galaxy on Saturday at 7:30pm.  

Even if you’re not a hardcore soccer fan, the atmosphere alone makes it worth checking out. Having an MLS team in the city is a privilege Vancouver might not have for much longer. So if you’ve never been to a Whitecaps game, you might want to check it out before it gone.  

It’s one of those experiences that reminds you how much this city shows up when there’s something to rally around. 

 

Finally, the Richmond night market came out of its hibernation last week and will run until September. 
Expect crowds, tons of neon lights, and more food options than you can handle. Some examples include skewers, bubble tea, and fusion snacks from all around the globe.  

Be aware, this isn’t just a market, it’s a full sensory overload. Think positive chaos, but in the best way. 

 

My advice? Go with a group of friends to get the full experience. Trying to tackle this one-of-a-kind market solo is a rookie mistake. 

From a baseball game to an art exhibit to neon-soaked late-night street food, Vancouver is a city that can offer a variety of sports and culture that few places can.