Author Archives: Ben Chan

So close, We Need to Carry On!

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This season marks as one of the most influential baseball moments in Blue Jay’s history, they have the whole Canada on their back, the support from the north, the west coast, the central provinces all the way towards the east coast to Toronto. The first world series appearance for the club since 1993, they opened strong, chasing the Dodgers with barrage of hits and putting the stadium on their feet.

But the Dodgers were undeterred, in game 2 the Jays ran into a massive wall from their ace, Shohei Otani, whose dominance reminded everyone in the world how difficult it is to be the top of the world, how far of a climb it is to get to the top. With that the early series was tied 1-1.

In game 3, the game was neck in neck, fans on both teams are on their feet, watching hours into the night hoping to see a miracle, a slip through against the opposing team, while at last, the Dodgers were the first to make it out leading the series. In games 4 and 5 however, the jays stepped up to the game, finding their motivation, the energy back to clutch home runs, pitching that held when it mattered, thinking to themselves that ‘Job’s not finished’. For two nights, the Jays looked unstoppable.

Game 6, one of the most important games in a 7-game series, it is said that whoever wins a game 6 will most likely be the winner of the series and sure enough, it was the Dodgers that stepped up to bat and hit the home run. Leading back home to Toronto for one more rally, the Jays in the beginning held the lead, crowd was roaring with excitement as if the title is at its reach. But then the ninth inning happened, Dodgers home run tied the game, and two more innings after. One massive blow landed, and the dreams of the championship title ended, just short of a hit.

For Toronto, for Canada. This season wasn’t a defeat; it is an awakening. For a Canadian team to lead the country to believe that it was possible, beating the league that was supposedly dominated by our friends from the south. They push opponents to the edge, waking up memories of the key moments and building blocks for our very foundation going onto the next. The Jays did not disappoint, if any who, they achieved. I for one am looking forward to next season, where they are back in the spotlight once again.

Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca

The Vancouver Canadians

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Introducing our very own baseball team!

The Nat Bailey Stadium, home of the Vancouver Canadians. It’s the baseball area for the first pitch to be thrown throughout the hot summer season. Well, for the Canadians this season was seen as an improvement, where we might be in for another improvement next season too!

This past season, the Canadians carried the spirit with them as soon as the first pitch was thrown. They were the most impactful team, but they were a resilient bunch. A group of young prospects are fighting to get their shot at the big leagues. Especially the aspirations of getting onto the MLB stage.  While giving Vancouver fans a summer long of hope and heartbreak. There is magic in between plays, running from base to base, home runs and knockouts. They battled through long road stretches and the unpredictable weather, it results that the team wasn’t perfect, but it was a beginning of professionals where anything can form them into who they wish they become.

By midseason, the Canadians found their identity. Pitchers have started stringing together quality outings, settled the ballpen into their roles, and the bats come alive on nights where the stadium is roaring with electricity. Walk off wins became part of key moments of the year, where the games have fans stayed standing between every pitch, players run across the field with their hands raised.

The fans remained the heart of this story, where kids are chasing foul balls and home run balls. The fans in red Canadian caps nodding through fan chants, sharing mini donuts and popcorn and looking forward to seeing who the next star from the team will be to rise up into the big leagues. As the final game wrapped up, Vancouver didn’t just look back at a season, it held onto the familiarity, where the summer heat, ray of the stadium lights will shine again at the ballpark. Regardless of the record, the team this season was about connection, the city and the team became one over the summer, reminding those that never been to a Canadians game to come together as a community. Bring the belief and hope that each new inning gives a chance for something magical for next season.

Ben Chan kchan467@my.bcit.ca

Hard Fought Season, Comeback Season Approaching

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The Lions walked into the playoffs carrying hopes and a history of contention. In Regina at the Mosaic Stadium, the west final matchup against the Saskatchewan Roughriders brought promise, where the lions would have the chance of getting closer to the Grey Cup. From the beginning of the game, it became clear that this isn’t the night and would be close between the two teams.

The first quarter barely shifted the scoreboard, where Saskatchewan claimed a punt single, and BC remained scoreless. But in the second quarter, the team surged. The most outstanding player of the CFL, Nathan Rourke, led a drive that ended with a 4-yard rushing touchdown, giving the Lions a 7-3 edge. Rourke finished the game passing 20 of 30 for 290 yards and 1 touchdown.

Yet momentum is insubstantial, Saskatchewan responded, taking their own chances and kicking a field goal just before halftime to narrow the gap. Then the third quarter was a differentiator, where Saskatchewan scored 10-0, which led to the Lions found themselves trailing 7-14 heading into the final quarter.

In the final quarter, the Lions fought back. Rourke connected with Keon Hatcher Sr. on a 19-yard touchdown pass and later put in a 2-yard rushing touchdown himself, coming back to the score of 21-24. But Saskatchewan wasn’t done, they responded with another goal, and in the final moments of the game, scored a final touchdown to seal the game 24-21. Leading to the end of the season for the Lions. Defensively, the Lions gave up 305 passing yards and 128 rushing yards to Saskatchewan, while the Lions are only able to rush about 71 yards and passed for 290. Even though they did not make too many turnovers, the critical third quarter had proved too costly with no points on the scoreboard.

Emotions were high, tension was at an all-time low, the season ended. The Lions had proven to us that they could contend, fight, but the final step to reach to the Grey Cup remains. For us fans, the final scoreboard is just an example on what our team can do better next season, what to improve, how they need to regroup and learn. Carrying the momentum from this season to the next, with just a few games shy from the championship, I’m sure our team will be hungrier than ever for the next opportunity when the season starts.

Ben Chan kchan467@mybcit.ca

The Lumiere Festival

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The Lumiere Festival is a series of public artworks inspired by light and artistic expression, different artworks light up the heart of Vancouver, bringing dynamic performances and exhibit to shine on the art culture that takes illuminates the night sky.

The first thing I notice is the glow of the lights, softly drawing across the darkness. People walking along the pathways and watching the neon reflections lit surrounding them. Families gather to experience the sculptures and the different illustrations that are formed from those artworks. Near Denman Street, the artwork of the memories of colour shines an installation of a coral reef, signalling the importance of environmental care for our ocean and the ecosystem.

Highlighting some of the artworks in the Jim Deva Plaza, the artwork of DecaDance surrounds visitors with reflection and rhythm, showing mirror panels and LED lit dance poles that are in different patterns, captivating the dance floor with its unique creativity and display under the stars. There’s also Saṃsāra, an artwork which explores the illusions of mind and our perceived reality, giving different visual perspectives from the artwork. The Infinite Fire Lounge is another work that brings a sense of pause, reflect and connect, signalling a connection with people, as if you’re sitting in front of a campfire.

On Robson Plaza, there are more artworks that brings out the visual and sensory touch for guests to experience first-hand. Personally, I find the artwork converge to be one of the more impressive artworks to combine laser and sound installation, with both visual and audial moments to demonstrate the creativity for patterns from our daily items. While another artwork, the Canopy, embodies the aurora borealis and salmon swimming which illuminates Robson Square is another personal favourite of mine, changing my perspective on seeing the plaza differently under the visual arts.

Most importantly, the Vancouver Art Gallery has also brought a few new artworks to put a spotlight during the event. One of which I find most meaningful is the painting mirror, where our photos are projected and transformed into the style of great artists. Even though the styles are generated by artificial intelligence, the presentation brings the awareness of using artificial intelligence and authenticity of artworks to point up a correlation between the two aspects doesn’t necessarily have to go up against each other.

Realizing this, the Lumiere Festival is a reminder of how art connects us, with each art piece turns the city into a canvas where everyone can take a break and look at the artworks together. Reminding myself, even in the darkest of days, creativity, community and curiosity can be brightened with expression of all forms of art.

Ben Chan kchan467@mybcit.ca

A Night of Momentum and Moments

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The night started with promise for the Canucks. Where they started the game from Kiefer Sherwood, who broke out the scoreboard open with the team leading 11th goal. Not long after in the first period, Jake DeBrusk extended the lead with a power play, giving the Canucks a 2-1 lead heading into the break.

Momentum shifts towards the Jets not long after where Josh Morrissey plows through a power play, tying the game at 2-2. And not long after, Nino Niederreiter deflected a rebound to give the Jets the lead. The Jets with the impressive period have continued to seize control throughout the whole game. Cracking down the Canucks defense and made the score from 2-2 to 4-2 in an early power play. Brock Boeser for the Canucks got one later in the game, but unfortunately shy away from the win with the defensive effort from the Jets ending the game with a 5-3.

The Canucks penalty kill remains a major issue, where they have surrendered 10 goals in the last seven games and came in ranked 31st in the league, adding on tonight’s power-play goals against underscored that vulnerability. Other than the defensive liability, the Canucks are riddled with injuries, starter Thatcher Demko excited the game after giving up three goals on eight shots in the first period. Even though backup Kevin Lankinen came in and try to hold the fort down, the timing of the game has hurt the momentum for the team, making it difficult for the rest of the team to step up. The bright spot of this game is that our captain, Quinn Hughes logged three assists and Elias Pettersson with two, shows that the offense can still work. But because of the weak defense, it made the Jets crack down our side of the rink much easier thus leading to a comeback.

For the Canucks, it is another home loss and another night where our momentum got derailed. The season is still not over but it requires the whole team to step up even if any one of our starters is out, we need to tighten up the penalty kills and hold onto the leads that we can do and give more effort and stability on the defensive end. The next game we’re heading into Carolina to face the Hurricanes to see whether we can stand on guard and fix the problems we have on the road.

Ben Chan kchan467@mybcit.ca

PWHL Vancouver Revealed

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Move with the wind, drawn to the edge, wired to defend, a force formed in flight. The Vancouver Goldeneyes.

PWHL Vancouver has finally revealed the name of our brand new PWHL team, making it the first PWHL team to be named after an animal. The Vancouver Goldeneyes is expected to take flight in the 2025-26 season, bringing professional women’s hockey to British Columbia with purpose and a fresh identity that screams the beauty of our home.

While Vancouver is already home for the Vancouver Canucks and Abbotsford Canucks. It is no stranger to the electrifying excitement from the crowd, roaring with passion once the puck is dropped onto the ice. The Pacific Coliseum will be the home for the team to bring a new chapter to women’s hockey.

The general manager of the Goldeneyes, Cara Gardner Morey, focused on bringing in PWHL veterans and young stars such as hometown talent Jenn Gardiner to bring local connection and authenticity. Beyond wins and losses, the Goldeneyes are building community, where local fans are gearing up for watch parties and merch pop-ups, it’s more than just a team, it’s creating a movement for change. Which personally, I think this team will get more attention with word of mouth going around into the new season.

The first game will set the tone for our team, on November 21, where the Goldeneyes (pretty catchy the more I’m saying it out loud) will be facing of the other brand-new expansion team in the Seattle Torrent. On that night, Pacific Coliseum will be blazing with excitement not just for the puck, but the dream for the new generation to watch their first women’s pro game on ice. For the city to rally behind their new team. For our new fans, the bird that dives, the city that breathes the coast and mountain air, the team that moves as one. Get ready for the puck to drop, because this story is just the beginning.

Ben Chan kchan467@mybcit.ca

Together We Dare, Stand by Me, Scarves Up!

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Together We Dare, Stand by Me, Scarves Up!

These are all the hardships, the cheers, the blood, sweat and tears from the fans of the whitecaps to cheer on their favourite team. As the team has improved significantly over the course of this season alone. Marking one of the best fan experiences in Vancouver.

In the beginning of the regular season, the whitecaps started off the season under a new head coach which has brought a fresh new scenery to the locker room. During the season, the Whitecaps competed in multiple tournaments such as the MLS campaign, the Canadian Championship and the CONCACAF Champions cup. The Whitecaps finished the MLS season second in the western conference, with a record of 18-9-7, while winning the Canadian Championship marking their fourth consecutive win in a row, and just shy of a championship in the CONCACAF Champions cup coming in second.

With a historic run in the season, the most memorable highlight for myself is the Canadian Championship final, where both Vancouver teams faced each other in an intense high stakes game, ultimately with the determination and experience from the Whitecaps lead victorious against Vancouver FC.

Remembering the highlights of this season alone, it seems to kick back the love for soccer back into our goals in Vancouver. With Tristan Blackmon rising up into the defender of the year for our team, our coach emphasizing more defensive strategies, bringing in more vets and new recruits into the mix, has made stopping goals effectively with each game, giving a defensive identity for all our players and our team.

But the season’s not quite over yet, we’ve only begun the playoffs in the MLS rally, where we are set to face off against Son Heung Min and the Los Angeles FC. Be sure to get your tickets ready and get prepared to Scarves up for the Whitecaps, as you’ll get a front row seat to witness the game of the team’s history.

Ben Chan kchan467@mybcit.ca

Christmas is coming soon!

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The year is coming to a close. One of the coldest seasons to wrap up the year of 2025. But it is also one of the most popular holidays of everyone….. and that’s Christmas! Time to gather the family, hang out with friends, buying different presents and enjoy the last moments of the year of 2025. A season of lights, laughter and the familiar holiday cheer brings the city to its magical spotlight.

When it’s Christmas season, most places such as the Robson Square, the Vancouver Christmas Market, Canada Place. They will be packed with people taking pictures of the lights, ornaments and the unique Christmas decorations every year. But there are other unique spots that are worth going into if you’re down with the holiday spirit.

The popular Van Dusen festival of lights and the Capilano Suspension Bridge are among my top favourites to sightsee and feel the festivities especially when the Christmas lights are only available during the holiday season and it tells a winter story from our childhood into reality. From Santa Claus (Yes, he’s fictional), the gingerbread man, the Grinch and even Olaf the snowman. The decorations and the lights will come together to bring a unique visual experience along with a story when you see all the lights come together.

Speaking of unique decorations, there are a few notable attractions in metro Vancouver is also worth taking a visit too. In Martini Town near Langley, there is a large Christmas town that has basically come from a classic holiday filmset.  Another attraction is the Festive Village in Burnaby where the museum transforms into a winter Christmas town filled with lights, laughter and the spirit of giving.

From shining neighbourhoods to holiday surprises, Vancouver will be turning every corner in the city into a story. With each decoration, lights and views all over the city to be shared with loved ones from each family and add another memory to our hearts. As the year comes to an end, we welcome a new beginning for the next year, Christmas brings us all together to reflect and remember the things we have gone through the past year. And that’s the magical moment where Christmas unites people all over the world, to warm us up even in the coldest of winters of Christmas.

Ben Chan kchan467@mybcit.ca

Harry Potter Forest Experience

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Expecto Patronum! Expelliarmus! Wingardium Leviosa!

The world of magic arrives with the Forbidden Forest experience! This immersive park event takes you to the world of Harry Potter with magical spells, familiar characters from the books and films. After previous success of the event in other countries such as Australia, Singapore, France and United States. This marks its first location in Canada in our very own Vancouver!

As one of the most influential cultural stories of our time, the Harry Potter series brings a new light of magical storytelling, taking our imaginations from our childhood thinking our brooms can be our transport to fly anywhere we want, or magical wands to turn our thoughts into reality. Turning the city’ s pathways into a living storybook of wizardry and wonder. The inspiration of the Harry Potter series reattaches us to our old fairytales and combine them into a story of magic and wizardry. Shaping our imagination even further from other storytelling franchises such as Star Wars and Lord of the Rings.

Thinking back to when I first know of the Harry Potter series, I was also taken away by the storytelling and the visual aspects from the series. The world feels so vivid that it crosses in between the lines of fiction and reality, that it made me believe if magic could truly exist around us. The most memorable quote I had from the series is from Dumbledore ‘Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light’. Those words gave me a new perspective on times that may be tough right now no matter what you’re facing with, as long as you remember there is something worth turning your head and focusing into, there will always be light shining onto you.

This experience is set to focus on its storytelling, where it reminds the fans and the immersive universe to recreate the magic sensory that takes place from the series’ books and films. The experience captures that same emotional connection, every flicker of light, every sound of the creatures, invites the visitors to rediscover their inner child.  For longtime fans, it’s a homecoming. For newcomers, it’s an introduction to a world that inspired millions, and that’s exactly what this forest experience promises to rekindle: a sense of wonder, nostalgia, and discovery.

Ben Chan kchan467@mybcit.ca

Remember Remembrance Day

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This week’s most important issue, the founding establishment of the lives we all have today. Remembrance Day, a time to pause, reflect, and honour those who have shown courage in serving the North Strong and Free. Thank you to the veterans and all of the people who had once served for our country. In honour of Remembrance Day, there are city-wide celebratory events that encourages us to bring our loved ones to learn and appreciate those who were our leaders.

All of metro Vancouver, the cities are giving spaces for the Remembrance Day ceremonies, here are some of the events that I find that you should attend and pay respects to learn and understand the hardships from our ancestors.

In Vancouver, Victory Square, Chinatown Memorial Square and Stanley Park host ceremonies and parades to highlight Canadians along with special memorial parades to celebrate. In West Vancouver, a parade leads toward the Memorial Arch at Memorial Park. UBC is also hosting its annual ceremony at the War Memorial Gym. In North Vancouver, around the Deep Cove area, there is another ceremony which encourages land and watercrafts to join.

In Richmond, a parade and ceremony near city hall, including units of veterans and current members of the military, celebrating and acknowledging the veterans and the current members in this special day. In Burnaby, at Bonsor Park there’s a parade and ceremony inviting those who wish to celebrate the day as well. In New Westminster, a special wreath pickup event at city hall honouring former and current veterans.

In Surrey, there are seven places where people can celebrate the event and pay their respects. The Veterans Square, Surrey Centre Cemetery, Sunnyside Lawn Cemetery and Hazelmere Cemetery are open to the public. In Delta, there are multiple parades and ceremonies that are taking place, Social Heart Plaza and Memorial Park cenotaph. Also another parade from the Royal Canadian Legion, Branch 61 leading one of the parades.

Lastly, Port Moody brings cadets, scout, girl guides and Brownies to join the colour party of veterans, legion member and first responders for a parade which invites the public to join in the event. Coquitlam and Port Coquitlam also hosts parades and ceremonies that take place in two cenotaphs, one at Blue Mountain Park Cenotaph, and the other at Veterans Park.

As the ceremonies unfold, we are reminded that remembrance isn’t just about the past, its about connection. It’s about recognizing the courage, sacrifice, and humanity of those who built the freedom we enjoy today. On this Remembrance Day, we stand still not just to remember, but to be grateful for every light that continues to shine through even the darkest of times.

Ben Chan kchan467@mybcit.ca