Author Archives: Eric Chan

Canucks: is 2024-25 a season to forget?

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(photo: NHL, https://www.nhl.com/)

Let’s talk about the Canucks. This season was supposed to be different. After topping the Pacific Division last year, most fans thought the Canucks were finally gonna make it. Instead, the 2024–25 season ended up being one to forget.

They wrapped the season with a 38–30–14 record — not terrible on paper, but not enough to make the playoffs. Injuries didn’t help, but that wasn’t the whole story. Elias Pettersson didn’t quite look like himself. He even admitted, “I know I can play better. I need to be better for the team.” That pretty much sums up the vibe for the year — potential, but too many missed steps.

Middle of the season with the trade of J.T. Miller, that didn’t help at all, or basically ruined the team chemistry once and for all. He was one of the few guys who always wore his heart on his sleeve. “Not any part of me ever wanted to go somewhere else,” he said earlier this year. “Why would I want to leave something that I’ve always been looking for?” Still, he was gone — and the team never quite looked the same after that.

Flashing back. Quinn Hughes led with 76 points and played like a true captain, even through all the chaos. And he gave full credit to coach Rick Tocchet: “He’s an amazing coach… he’s been amazing for me — amazing for a lot of guys.”


(photo: NHL, https://www.nhl.com/)

So when Tocchet announced he was stepping down after the season, that hurt. He said, “Family is a priority, and with my contract lapsing, this becomes the opportune time.” You can respect that. And still feel the sting. Jim Rutherford put it best: “We did everything in our power to keep him, but at the end of the day, Rick felt he needed a change.”

The final game — a 4–1 loss to Vegas — felt like the season in a nutshell. Some fight, some flashes, but just not enough. Hughes summed it up after the game: “It’s such a disappointing year, I’m not even going to look ahead to anything. Just go home, enjoy myself, and probably put my phone away and see what happens.”

For Canucks fans, it’s another chapter in a long story that still doesn’t have a happy ending. For now, let’s enjoy the break and focus when we are back for the new season.

Canada Soccer Hall of Fame: Christine Sinclair and Diana Matheson

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(photo: Canada Soccer Foundation, https://canadasoccer.com/)

Big news for Canadian soccer —Former Canada captain Christine Sinclair and Northern Super League co-founder Diana Matheson just got inducted into the Canada Soccer Hall of Fame. If you grew up watching them play, this one hits deep. They weren’t just good players. They helped build something real.

(photo: Canada Soccer Foundation, https://canadasoccer.com/)

Sinclair’s name is already known everywhere. She’s the world’s top goal scorer in international soccer — 190 goals across 331 games. But if you ever watched her play, you know it was never about the stats. She showed up for the team. Quiet, steady, always leading by example. She once said, “I still think I have more to learn and more to give, and I feel like I learn something new every day” . That mindset is what made her a leader on and off the field.


(photo: Canada Soccer Foundation, https://canadasoccer.com/)

And then there’s Diana Matheson — the one who scored that bronze medal winner at the London 2012 Olympics. That goal is one of the greatest moments in Canadian sports. She was always there when it counted. Played over 200 matches for Canada, and after retiring, she still didn’t slow down. She’s now building the first women’s pro soccer league in Canada – Northern Super League (NSL), starting in 2025. That tells you everything you need to know.

Their Hall of Fame inductions are more than just personal milestones — they’re a reflection of how far women’s soccer has come in this country. Sinclair and Matheson didn’t just play the game; they built the foundation for the next generation. Young players now grow up with role models who’ve shown that Canadians can compete — and win — on the world stage.

So big congrats to Christine and Diana. Thank you for everything. You didn’t just play. You led. You lifted the team. And you made it easier for all the young players coming up now to dream a little bigger.

Vancouver Aquarium

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Ready for QUIZ TIME!? Sea otters, sea lions, snakes, and sloths… plus 60,000 other aquatic creatures — and it’s not the ocean, where could that be?

I bet you’re not quite sure, but let me tell you, all the Vancouver kids know the answer right! It’s their favourite spot in the city — Vancouver Aquarium!

Just so you know, I actually bought the annual pass — that should tell you something. I’ve gone way too many times to count. Rainy weekends, random afternoons when I’m in Stanley Park — I always find a reason to stop by. The jellyfish tank is my spot. I could stand there forever just watching them drift around. It’s quiet, kind of calming. Everything else just fades out for a bit. Doesn’t matter how old you are — this place always hits the same.

But my favourite part of the whole place? No question — the sea otters. You can actually book a Sea Otter Encounter, and it’s one of the best experiences I’ve ever had. You get to meet them up close, watch them play with their food, and learn all about their rescue stories. They’re funny, curious, and just straight-up adorable. One of the trainers told us their fur is so thick it can trap air and keep them warm, and that stuck with me. It’s wild how much there is to learn just from watching them for a few minutes.

If you’re into something a little different, the Aquarium also runs special events. There’s a cool one coming up for Mother’s Day — a night at the aquarium with a full dinner service and wine pairings. It’s an adults-only evening, so no kids running around, just chill vibes and glowing tanks. Pretty dreamy.


I promise, there’s so much to see. Sloths, snakes, sharks, tropical fish, stingrays, frogs, you name it. They’ve even got a Wet Lab where you can touch sea stars and other squishy sea things — perfect if you’ve got kids, or even for big kid like me (and you)!

It’s in Stanley Park, open all year, and worth visiting even if you’ve been before. If you can’t go right away, check out the live Sea Otter Cam on their website — warning though, you might get hooked.

Vancouver Aquarium: https://vanaqua.org/
Sea Otter Cam: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2R034rQ9gtQ

Discover Britannia Mine Museum

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(photo: Britannia Mine Museum, britanniaminemuseum.ca)

Have you ever dreamt of mining gold or finding precious gems as a kid? Not that I have any real knowledge about it, but I bet you were just like me! Want to learn more about mining at one of the most historic sites in the world? Maybe even try your luck at gold panning and take some gold home? How about experiencing an award-winning 4D attraction about mining? Right here in BC? Just a 45mins drive from Metro Vancouver, the Britannia Mine Museum is the real deal!


(photo: Britannia Mine Museum, britanniaminemuseum.ca)

The museum offers a variety of attractions that bring mining history to life. One of the highlights is the BOOM! show, an award-winning, multi-sensory experience inside the historic Mill No. 3 building. This 20-storey structure comes alive with lights, sounds, and special effects, showcasing the story of the mine and its workers. ​

Visitors can embark on an underground tour, riding a train into the old mining tunnels to see firsthand what life was like for miners in the early 20th century. There’s also the Gold Panning Pavilion, where you can try your hand at panning for real gold—and yes, you get to keep what you find! ​


(photo: Britannia Mine Museum, britanniaminemuseum.ca)

The museum is perfect for families. Kids will love the interactive exhibits, the underground train ride, and the chance to pan for gold. There’s also a family play area with a giant sand pit and a playground boat, making it a fun and educational outing for all ages. 

Beyond the fun, the museum offers educational insights into the history of mining in British Columbia. You’ll learn about the copper extraction process, the lives of the miners, and the environmental impact of mining. The museum also showcases over 7,000 artifacts, 9,500 archive photos, and 3,000 archival documents and maps. ​

Located along the scenic Sea to Sky Highway, the Britannia Mine Museum is just a 45-minute drive from Vancouver. The museum is open year-round, and it’s a good idea to check their website for the latest hours and ticket information. Don’t forget to bring a light jacket, as the underground tunnels can be cool. ​

If you’re looking for a unique and educational adventure that’s fun for the whole family, the Britannia Mine Museum is a must-visit. Experience the underground tour, the excitement of panning for gold, and the awesome BOOM! show—all in one place. For more information and to plan your visit, check out their official website: britanniaminemuseum.ca.

 

Whitecaps Crush Inter Miami, Punch Ticket to CONCACAF Final

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(photo: @WhitecapsFC, x.com)

What a night to remember.

The Vancouver Whitecaps walked into Miami and walked out with a 3–1 win — and a spot in the CONCACAF Champions Cup Final. The full score over two legs? 5–1. That’s not a close call. That’s a message.

Things looked a little shaky at first. Jordi Alba scored early for Inter Miami in the 9th minute, and for a second it felt like they might be turning things around. But the ‘Caps didn’t let it get to them. They didn’t sit back. They got right back to work.

Brian White tied it up early in the second half with a clean finish in the 51st minute — and just two minutes later, Pedro Vite put in another. The mood shifted fast. You could feel it — even through the screen. Vancouver wasn’t just trying to hold on. They wanted it more.

Sebastian Berhalter ended the game pretty much in the 71st minute, he scored the third of the night, after already setting up the other two. Man of the match? No question.

After the game, Berhalter said, “​It’s a great group, from the first game until now we’ve shown it and it’s what we deserve. We’re going to do it, we have the opportunity (to win the title) and we’ll be there.” ​

Brian White, who scored the equalizer, shared, “​We are a team that can beat everyone.” ​

Pedro Vite, who added the second goal, expressed his excitement: “​Scoring in such an important match feels incredible. The team worked hard, and we deserve this.” ​

Coach Jesper Sørensen summed it up: “​When you play a team like Miami and you are inexperienced, it is difficult. It is difficult because it’s the best player in the world [Messi] who’s coming. Maybe someone out there had a poster of him when they were kids. My son did, and he’s 24.” ​

(video: @WhitecapsFC, youtube.com)

The Whitecaps controlled the game. Defensively, they held strong. Offensively, they moved the ball smart, stayed patient, and took their chances. It was clean, sharp, and totally deserved.

Inter Miami had Messi, Suárez, Alba, Busquets — a mini Barcelona legend team. But Vancouver had something else: teamwork, focus, and hunger. They played like a unit. Every pass, every press, every sprint — it was all in sync.

Now they’re off to the final on June 1. Cruz Azul is waiting in Mexico City. It won’t be easy — but if the ‘Caps keep playing like this, anything’s possible.

Anyone fancy a trip to Mexico City in June? 

 

Whitecaps’ Road to CONCACAF Champions Cup Final

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Emergency! The Whitecaps are on FIRE!

We knew the ‘Caps were gonna make it — beating Inter Miami 5–1 on aggregate in the semis? Unreal. It’s not about Messi anymore. Before the game, people were already chatting about how many goals Vancouver would score and what the final might look like. Folks here in Vancouver believed in the ‘Caps — and man, they showed up.

Even when Jordi Alba got that early goal and made it 1–2 on aggregate, the team didn’t panic. They kept pushing, stayed focused, and worked the ball from the back. It paid off. Three straight goals. Brian White, Pedro Vite, and Sebastian Berhalter came through when it mattered most. That second-leg win in Miami sealed the deal. The final is on June 1 playing against Cruz Azul in Mexico City.

But let’s not forget how they got here. This wasn’t easy.

The run started in Round One. They dropped the first leg 2–1 away to Deportivo Saprissa in Costa Rica. Not ideal. But back at home, they bounced back with a 2–0 win and went through with a 3–2 aggregate.

Next was Monterrey — one of Mexico’s strongest sides. The ‘Caps got a 1–1 draw at BC Place, then went to Mexico and held them to a 2–2 tie. That was just enough — they went through on away goals.

Then came LA Galaxy. First leg in Vancouver, 2–1 win. Second leg in LA? Tough match, ended 1–1, but it was enough to move forward.

From Saprissa to Messi, the Whitecaps didn’t get here by chance — they earned it. They faced strong teams, stayed focused, and played as one. No shortcuts, just solid football all the way through.

Final’s coming up June 1. No matter what happens, this squad already made history.

But hey — 1st Canadian Team got into the final since 2018 and we are just one step away lifting the cup!  

 

 

Axe in Hand: Nicole Coenen

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(Photo: @NicoleMapleCoenen, facebook.com)

Wood chopping and a book — can you imagine putting these two things together in a sentence and making it make sense?

Meet Nicole Coenen, a B.C. woman who’s internet famous for chopping wood on TikTok — and now she’s written a book about it. Her chops, literally! 

Nicole lives on Bowen Island, and during the early pandemic days, she started posting videos of herself splitting logs. Sometimes she’s in flannel, sometimes in glitter, sometimes in both. It wasn’t just about the chopping — people kept watching because of the calm, the confidence, and how real she was about everything from technique to mental health.

Her book is called Axe in Hand: A Woodchopper’s Guide to Blades, Wood, and Fire. It came out earlier this month (April 15, 2025) and mixes how-to advice with personal stories. It’s got chapters on choosing axes, chopping safely, restoring old blades, and building fires. But just like her videos, the book goes deeper.

As Nicole puts it:

“It’s a guide to blades, wood, and fire. For those who are experienced and those who are curious.”

She doesn’t pretend to be a wilderness survivalist expert or some kind of pro woodsman. Instead, she shows people how to find strength in the act — and how fire can mean connection, healing, and even joy. 

In interviews, she’s opened up about growing up in suburban Ontario and struggling with how she was “allowed” to be seen.

“I always actually tried to make myself seem weaker than I was,” she said. “And I wanted to be stronger, but I didn’t think that that was really allowed.”

Now she’s got more than five million followers across platforms — and a book that might just inspire you to pick up an axe, or at least think about where your own fire comes from.


(Photo: Quarto, https://www.quarto.com/)

Axe in Hand is out now.

Grab it at a local bookstore, support a BC writer, and maybe gift it to someone who needs a little spark this season.

More information: https://www.quarto.com/books/9780760392676/axe-in-hand

 

Burnaby FC: One Name, One Community, and a Lot of Soccer

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If you’ve got a kid who plays soccer in Burnaby — or you just pass by the fields at Burnaby Lake on a Saturday morning — you’ve probably heard of Burnaby FC by now. The club’s new, but not really. It officially came together in 2023, the result of five long-running local clubs deciding it was time to work as one.

Mountain United FC, Cliff Avenue United, Burnaby Youth Soccer, Wesburn, and Burnaby Girls SC — all merged into one system. It’s a big move, but it makes sense. Instead of kids bouncing between different programs, Burnaby FC now gives them one clear pathway, from the early kick-and-run days right through to high-performance leagues and even League1 BC.

There are over 4,000 players in the club right now. Boys, girls, beginners, elite, U4s to U21s — they’ve got space for everyone. And if you’re wondering about the coaching — yes, they’re local. People like Joe Zupo and Adriano Clemente are running the top teams, and names like Todd May and Jonas Worth are leading the boys’ and girls’ League1 squads. These are coaches who’ve been working in this community and province for years. They know the kids, they know the system, and most importantly, they care.

And I’ve seen it myself. I sent my son to their spring break program, and I honestly didn’t know what to expect. It was just a short camp — but it was clear the coaches weren’t there to babysit or just run drills. They were teaching. My kid came home talking about passing angles and build-up plays. Now he’s asking when the next camp is.

It’s not just the Whitecaps and Vancouver FC doing good work here in Metro Vancouver. Burnaby FC is building something from the ground up — right here in our neighbourhoods, on the fields we walk past every day. One day, I hope I can say I supported them before they were huge.

They’re just getting started, but the pieces are already coming together. I’ll be watching — and cheering — as this one grows.

For more information, please visit:
https://www.burnabyfc.com/

 

Weekend Mornings at the Market: A Family Tradition

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(photo: City of Burnaby, https://www.burnaby.ca/)

Every Saturday morning, I head to a different farmers market in Metro Vancouver for my groceries. It’s more than just shopping. I do it to support local vendors, bring home fresh food, and spend a bit of time outside with my family.

My kids enjoy it too. Some weekends they’re playing in the park nearby, other times they’re just focused on grabbing pastries or yogurt from their favourite stalls. It’s become something we do together — no rush, no big plan — just a nice way to start the day.

We’ve found a few go-to markets that work well for us. Here are some we keep going back to:

  • Burnaby Farmers’ Market (Saturdays, 9am–2pm at Burnaby City Hall)
     A good variety of produce, baked goods, and music. Always feels welcoming.
     Info: https://bcfarmersmarkettrail.com/market/burnaby-farmers-market/
  • Brentwood Farmers’ Market (Sundays, 10am–2pm near Brentwood Station)
     Smaller but really easy to get to, especially if you’re hopping off the SkyTrain.
     Info: https://bcfarmersmarkettrail.com/market/brentwood-farmers-market/
  • West End Farmers Market (Saturdays, 9am–2pm at 1100 Comox St)
     A relaxed neighbourhood market with everything from fruit to bread to flowers.
     Info: https://bcfarmersmarkettrail.com/market/west-end-farmers-market/
  • Downtown Farmers Market (Thursdays, 11am–3pm at Queen Elizabeth Theatre Plaza)
     Not on the weekend, but a good mid-week stop if you’re already downtown.
     Info: https://eatlocal.org/markets/downtown/
  • Granville Island Public Market (Open daily, 9am–7pm)
     A solid option any day. Great variety and something for everyone.
     Info: https://granvilleisland.com/directory/granville-island-public-market

Shopping local helps keep our communities going. So if you haven’t been to a market in a while, check one out. BUY BC, support local farmers and makers, and get better quality food at the same time.

And bring your own bags — trust me, you’ll leave with more than you planned.

 

Seymour Art Gallery’s ART PARTY!

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(photo: Seymour Art Gallery, https://www.seymourartgallery.com/)

What is your dream ART PARTY like? 

Mine would be a dance floor full of ever-changing colours and unique characters dancing around (cute monsters preferred).

At Seymour Art Gallery in Deep Cove, North Vancouver, they’re hosting their annual ART PARTY! from May 2 to May 10, 2025 — and it may not be exactly like my monster gathering kind of party, but with art and music altogether. The walls will be filled with colourful, creative, and one-of-a-kind pieces by over 70 local artists. All artworks are priced at $100, $200, or $300 — no bidding wars, just a chance to bring something home that speaks to you.


(photo: Seymour Art Gallery, https://www.seymourartgallery.com/)

The Art Party kicks off with an opening night on Friday, May 2 at 5:00 PM. There’ll be a silent auction, snacks, and live music from Sam Chimes — one of those artists you might’ve heard before without even realizing it. He’s known for turning Vancouver’s street corners into music zones, layering live loops with jazzy beats and smooth hip-hop. Sounds like something that is gonna be vibing all night!

The gallery is right in the heart of Deep Cove — surrounded by trees, water, and the kind of local shops that make you want to slow down and look around. The space itself feels warm and welcoming, and it always gives you something new to discover. It’s the kind of place where you feel inspired while enjoying what you see.

ART PARTY! has popped up over the past few years, always with its great vibe. As far as I found the first one was In 2023 and in 2024 edition brought in a summer feel, and auction prizes from cool places like Grouse Mountain and the Vancouver Whitecaps. But it’s never the same twice — which is kind of the fun of it.

So if you’re looking for something different, something local, and something full of creativity — this is your party. Come hang out, meet some artists, enjoy the music, and maybe even leave with a little piece of the party.

May 2–10, 2025
Opening Night: Friday, May 2 at 5:00 PM
Seymour Art Gallery, 4360 Gallant Ave, North Vancouver (Deep Cove)

More info: seymourartgallery.com