Author Archives: Eric Chan

Rick Tocchet Steps Down as Canucks Head Coach

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(photo: @Canucks, x.com)

Rick Tocchet has officially stepped down as head coach of the Vancouver Canucks. The team chose not to exercise the option on his contract for the 2025–26 season but offered him a new long-term deal, which Tocchet declined. He cited a desire to prioritize family and explore other opportunities in hockey.

“I’m choosing to move on from the Vancouver Canucks,” Tocchet said in a statement. “Family is a priority, and with my contract lapsing, this becomes the opportune time. While I don’t know where I’m headed, or exactly how this will play out for me over the near term, I feel like this is the right moment to step away.”

Tocchet joined the Canucks in January 2023 and led the team to a Pacific Division title in the 2023–24 season, earning the Jack Adams Award as NHL Coach of the Year. However, the following season saw the Canucks miss the playoffs, finishing with a 38–30–14 record.

Reflecting on the challenges faced during the season, Tocchet said, “It’s been a hard year, but it’s also been a year where you can improve by learning these lessons, the adversity.”

In his farewell statement, Tocchet expressed gratitude to the organization and its players:

“I’d like to take this opportunity to thank the entire Vancouver Canucks organization, starting with Francesco and Luigi Aquilini, Jim Rutherford, and Patrik Allvin. It’s been a pleasure and great learning experience to work with you all.

To the players – thank you. Regardless of our results, I always felt your heart and effort was there. I was honoured to be your coach.

To the coaching staff and support staff – you guys are first class, and you made it easy and enjoyable to come to work every day.

To the media, I appreciate your work and your diligence, your easy – and your difficult – questions. You guys do a great job, thank you.

And to the Canucks fans – your infectious spirit, loyal commitment and will to win kept me and the entire team on our toes. I appreciate how you have made yourselves a driving force in the Canucks community.

I’ve enjoyed my time here, and I wish everyone the best.“

The Canucks have not yet named a replacement for Tocchet. The coaching vacancy adds to a growing list of NHL teams seeking new head coaches for the upcoming season.

For more updates: https://www.nhl.com/canucks/can

 

Ones to watch: Canadian Premier League – Vancouver FC

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Yes, MLS is big. And yes, the Vancouver Whitecaps are awesome.
 But if you care about the future of Canadian soccer — and you live here in BC — then Vancouver FC and the Canadian Premier League are something you really shouldn’t miss.

The CPL is doing something important. It’s built entirely for Canada — for Canadian players, Canadian fans, and Canadian communities. Every team is connected to its city, and every match gives homegrown players a chance to play and shine. This league isn’t just about putting on a good show — it’s about building something from the ground up and giving real opportunities to young talent.

Right here in the Lower Mainland, we’ve got Vancouver FC, based in Langley. They joined the league in 2023 and play home games at Willoughby Community Park. It’s a soccer stadium that feels close — not just physically, but in spirit too. You can walk around, see the players up close, and feel part of something that’s growing. The setup is simple, the crowd is into it, and there’s no distance between fans and the game. It’s just about showing up and being part of it.

If you want to make a day of it, there’s also Pacific FC over on Vancouver Island. They’ve been part of the CPL since day one, and they’ve built a real following in Victoria. The club won the championship in 2021 and continues to be a strong team in the league. Their home games feel like a community event — casual, fun, and full of local pride.

The CPL runs a full regular season, and the top teams go into playoffs to compete for the North Star Cup. More importantly, the league is designed to support development. Teams are required to give meaningful minutes to Canadian players — especially those under 21. This is how you build a stronger national program: start local, keep it consistent, and give players the space to grow.

And on top of all that — we’re now seeing the same kind of momentum on the women’s side. The new Northern Super League (NSL) launched this year, and Vancouver Rise FC is playing their home games at BC Place. Between them, Vancouver FC, and the Whitecaps, we’ve got a full soccer moment happening in BC.

So yeah — it’s a great time to be a soccer fan. But even more than that, it’s the right time to show up to support out local teams.

For more information on Vancouver FC, visit: https://www.canpl.ca/vancouverfc

 

Know Your Captain: Ryan Gauld of the ‘Caps

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If you’re a Whitecaps fan, you already know the name. But if you’re just getting into the team or need a reminder of who’s really running the show out there — meet Ryan Gauld. The captain. The commander in midfield. The guy who makes things happen.

Gauld was born in Aberdeen, Scotland, and came up through Dundee United before heading to Portugal for a few years. He arrived in Vancouver in 2021 and quickly became one of the most important players on the pitch. He didn’t make a scene. He just played. And it didn’t take long for fans to catch on — this guy is the real deal.

In his first full MLS season in 2022, Gauld put up 8 goals and 9 assists. The next year? 11 goals and 12 assists. He was everywhere — setting up teammates, scoring when it mattered, and keeping the tempo right where the Whitecaps needed it. By the end of 2024, he had 34 goals and 43 assists in 111 league matches. It’s not flashy — it’s just consistently excellent.

He became captain in early 2024. Not because he talks the loudest, but because the whole team looks to him. He leads through effort and smarts. He runs. He defends. He plays the smart pass. He does the work. He’s that steady figure you can count on, whether the team’s pushing forward or holding a lead.

“I am playing higher up and more central,” he said in an interview. “That means I can have a stronger impact on the game and get on the ball more in the final third to score goals myself but also provide chances for the likes of Brian [White] or Fafá [Picault].”

Off the pitch, Gauld has become part of the Vancouver community. He’s made it clear he’s not just passing through.

“I love it here,” he said. “When the opportunity came to extend my contract and stay for a few more years, it was quite an easy decision.”

So next time you’re at BC Place and you’re watching things build from the midfield, you already know who’s behind it. Gauld is the captain for a reason — and as far as this club goes, he’s as important as they come.

 

it’s Tee Time! Golfing in Burnaby 

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Ever wonder how old you have to be to feel like getting into golf?

The answer is Today-Year-Old! Give it a try or take a beginner lesson — I promise you may soon catch yourself adjusting your swing while watching TV commercials.

The good news? You don’t need to own fancy clubs or know all the rules. If you live in Burnaby or nearby, the city makes it super easy to start. Golf Burnaby runs two full-sized courses, two pitch & putts, a couple of great practice areas, and even a Golf Academy if you want lessons. You can also rent clubs if you’re just testing the waters.

Burnaby Mountain Golf Course, North Burnaby (near SFU)
A local favourite. This full 18-hole course offers a nice balance — enough challenge to stay interesting, but friendly for beginners too. The driving range is two levels and open late, with heated stalls during colder months. There’s also a practice green and chipping area. If you’re starting out, club rentals are available at the pro shop.

Riverway Golf Course, South Burnaby (near Marine Way)
A more open and modern course with a great layout and scenic views. The 18 holes play a little longer here. The driving range is big, covered, and open rain or shine. There’s a putting green and short-game area too — all free to use. Plus, the clubhouse has one of the better golf course restaurants around.

Golf Burnaby Academy
Whether you’re a total beginner or trying to fix a slice, the Golf Burnaby Academy offers private and group lessons at both Burnaby Mountain Golf Course and Riverway Golf Course (with a very reasonable price). There are even junior programs if your kid wants to give it a shot. It’s a great way to get comfortable with the basics.

Central Park Pitch & Putt (Near Metrotown)
18 short holes under tall trees. No tee times needed — just walk on. Fun, low-pressure, and perfect if you’re new or want a casual round with friends.

Kensington Pitch & Putt (North Burnaby)
Quick, easy, and perfect for practice or low-key hangouts. You don’t need much gear — just a wedge and a putter, which you can also rent.

Book your tee time at golfburnaby.ca. Or just show up and try it out. Who knows — golf might become your next favourite thing.

 

Women’s Pro Hockey Is Coming to Vancouver — And It’s About Time

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Everyone in Vancouver was talking about Whitecaps win streaks, Messi in Van, Soccer in general and of course the women soccer league – Northern Super League was the highlight on the month. But wait a minute, let’s talk about Hockey! Here’s something big happening for hockey fans in Metro Vancouver — and no, it’s not the Canucks this time. The Professional Women’s Hockey League (PWHL) just announced that Vancouver is getting its own team. This will be the league’s first-ever expansion franchise, and they’ll be hitting the ice for the 2025–26 season.

The team doesn’t have an official name yet, but for now, they’re calling it PWHL Vancouver. They will be playing their home games at the Pacific Coliseum — a pretty iconic building that’s seen a lot of history, from the old Canucks days to the 2010 Olympics. The team colours? Pacific blue and cream. Pretty fitting for this city.

This news didn’t just come out of nowhere. Back in January, the PWHL ran a “Takeover Tour” game here at Rogers Arena — and nearly 19,000 fans showed up. It was the biggest crowd on the tour, and it sent a clear message: Vancouver is ready for this.

At the time of this writing, the league has six teams — Boston Fleet, Minnesota Frost, Montréal Victoire, New York Sirens, Ottawa Charge, and Toronto Sceptres. Vancouver joins as team number seven, and just a week later, they announced Seattle as team eight. Which means: we’ve got ourselves a West Coast rivalry in the making. That’s going to be fun.

The Professional Women’s Hockey League only started in 2023, but it’s built differently. All the teams are part of one organization, which means no messy ownership drama. It’s backed by big names like Mark and Kimbra Walter, with Billie Jean King also involved at the top level. This league is built to grow and shine!

Vancouver’s team will announce its head coach, general manager, and full roster in the next few months. There is a draft coming up this summer too, so expect news soon.

If you’ve ever said “women’s sports deserve more,” now’s the time to show up. PWHL Vancouver is new, but this already feels like something special. I’ll be watching — and maybe I’ll be able to say, I was a fan before they blew up. See you at the Pacific Coliseum! 

For more information, you can visit the official PWHL website: www.thepwhl.com.

 

Cultural Power Meets Athletic Spirit at the 2025 Basho: Amateur Sumo Exhibition

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(photo: PSFS, https://powellstreetfestival.com/)

What’s better than an activity that’s both cultural and sporty? I have something ultra special here for you to experience in Metro Vancouver on Victoria Day, either as a competitor in this sport event or as a spectator, 2025 Basho: Amateur Sumo Exhibition is here for you to enjoy! 

Organized by Sumo Sundays and supported by Powell Street Festival Society (PSFS), following the success of the inaugural basho in 2024, this one-of-a-kind sumo event in Metro Vancouver is set to return on Monday, May 19, 2025 (Victoria Day) at the historic Vancouver Japanese Language School & Japanese Hall.

Featuring live men’s and gender diverse brackets (inclusive of women, non-binary and gender diverse folks) sumo matches , comic sumo demonstrations and new brackets for both beginners and seasoned competitors on the day of the event, Basho 2025 will be a memorable event for the sumo wrestlers who are taking part in the competition and also a kick start event for the amateurs and beginners.  

Each bracket winner walks away with a bag of rice — and the top two in each bracket who bring the spirit, even if they don’t win it all. 

Ever dream how to wrestle like a proper sumo warrior? Ever think of what are the tricks behind this powerful traditional sport from Japan? For those of you who are eager to compete but wondering where to start, good news is you don’t need to be a sumo pro to join. The competition will send out all the rules before the tournament so you’ll know what to expect. You can even try out at one of the open sessions to see how good you are already!  

Sumo competitions have a long history at the Powell Street Festival, for over 40 year, an annual sumo tournament and exhibition has taken place. It was originally organized by Sumo Fun Club and now passed onto Sumo Sundays crew.

Come experience an afternoon of family-friendly sumo entertainment, including live matches and demos. Plus, taiko drumming and food!! Come catch the matches of all body sizes and experiences from across the region and witness the growing sumo scene in the Pacific Northwest!

Event details:
Monday, May 19th, 2025 | 1:00 – 5:30 pm
Vancouver Japanese Language School and Japanese Hall | 487 Alexander St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1C6

Find out more on: sumosundays.ca/register

 

 

 

 

Celebrating Richmond Night Market milestone 25th anniversary

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(Photo: Richmond Night Market, https://richmondnightmarket.com/ )

We are back again welcoming one of Metro Vancouver’s favourite annual happenings! The Richmond Night Market is celebrating its milestone 25th anniversary in 2025, running every weekend from April 25 to October 13, 2025.

Either you are a first timer or planning a visit this season, I got you covered here with all the information you need and some personal recommendations for you to check out!

If you are a foodie like me, enjoy every authentic dish that you find in the Asian restaurant, Richmond Night Market that features well over a hundred good vendors serving more than 500 different dishes is definitely the place to be. Inspired by Asia’s popular night market scene, Richmond Night Market launched in 2000 and became the largest of its kind in North America. So popular that it attracts one million visitors every year. 

Located at the corner of No. 3 Road and River Road, right next door to the landmark River Rock Casino Resort and just one-block walk from Canada Line’s Bridgeport Station. It is super convenient and a great excuse to go for a night out hunting down the mouthwatering dishes on any of these weekends. 

The 2025 market runs on Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings––as well as Mondays that fall on holiday long weekends. It opens at 7:00 pm and closes at midnight on Fridays, Saturdays and stat holiday Sundays. Regular opening hours: Friday, Saturday 7:00pm to 12:00am, Sunday and Long weekend Monday 7pm-11pm.

With more than 100 retailers, foods are not the only thing you will love but all these vendors provide different goodies like artisan-crafted jewellery to cellphone accessories, you name it and you will find it there. So be sure to spare yourself plenty of time to explore the market and just grab some food whenever you feel like.

Tired of exploring already and feel like a breather? How about heading over to the large stage at the market to enjoy some free entertainment? From local bands to Metro Vancouver cultural groups, jugglers to K-pop dancers. I am sure I will enjoy the shows with a cold beverage in hand, how about you? 

(Photo: Richmond Night Market, https://richmondnightmarket.com/ )

The market has two special themes this year: Summer of Love and Happiest Anniversary, featuring colourful decorations, light displays and perfect to get some selfies to show off to your friends and family! If you are interested in some adrenaline-rushing activities, the world’s first night market zipline that soars for 600 feet over the sights and sounds of the market is there for you!

Address: Richmond Night Market, 8351 River Rd, Richmond, BC

Website: https://richmondnightmarket.com/

From Deer Lake Artist Residency to Otani Workshop’s First North American Solo Show

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(Photo:Vancouver Art Gallery, Vanartgallery.bc.ca)

Are you just like me — someone who loves getting lost in art galleries and could spend a whole day exploring artworks, completely losing track of time?

If so, I have some good news for you. Starting from May 25, there are two exciting exhibitions opening at the Vancouver Art Gallery, running all the way until November 9.

This particular exhibition is the one I’m most looking forward to among the great selection of the upcoming exhibitions. Otani Workshop: Monsters in My Head is the first solo presentation of Otani Workshop in North America. Otani Workshop is a sculptor who has become one of the leading figures in contemporary Japanese ceramics, known for his playful yet deeply emotional work.

According to the exhibition introduction, the show will feature new paintings inspired by Otani’s personal memories, along with hand-built figurative and abstract ceramic sculptures in varying sizes. It promises to be a compelling and intimate introduction to his unique world.

I had the fortune seeing Otani Workshops’ previous exhibition in Hong Kong back in 2023, my first impression about these “little monsters” were memorizable, every of each monster was unique and carried expression and metaphor. I am looking forward to see the upcoming works that were created in Burnaby which would definitely bring something special. 

(Photo: Deer Lake Artist Residency, www.burnaby.ca)

What makes it even more special is that Otani spent a month last year at the Deer Lake Artist Residency in Burnaby. The Deer Lake residency gives artists from all over the world a quiet, natural space to focus, create, and explore new ideas. Set in beautiful Deer Lake Park, it’s surrounded by trails, wildlife, and cultural spaces like the Burnaby Art Gallery and Shadbolt Centre for the Arts — the perfect setup for inspiration.

During his time at Deer Lake, Otani Workshop created some of the works now featured in this show. The exhibition includes an immersive installation built from natural materials foraged from local parks and forests. It’s a real connection between art, memory, and the landscapes of Burnaby — and you can feel that energy when you step into the space.

If you’re planning a visit, be sure to take a close look at the Deer Lake-inspired pieces inside the exhibition.

It’s not just an art show — it’s a glimpse into an artist’s journey across two very different worlds.

 

Otani Workshop: Monsters in My Head, please visit:
https://www.vanartgallery.bc.ca/exhibitions/otani-workshop-monsters-in-my-head

Artist Residency Application opens yearly, please visit:

https://www.burnaby.ca/recreation-and-arts/activities-and-registration/arts-and-heritage/deer-lake-artist-residency

 

Northern Super League: The Rise of Canadian Women Soccer 

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It’s finally happening. After all these years of watching the best Canadian players leave to chase dreams somewhere else, Canada finally has its own women’s pro soccer league.

The Northern Super League (NSL) is here. And honestly, it’s about time.

The league officially kicked off on April 13, 2025, with six teams across the country — Vancouver Rise FC, Calgary Wild FC, AFC Toronto, Ottawa Rapid FC, Montreal Roses FC, and Halifax Tides FC.

For the first time ever, Canadian players can stay home, wear a jersey that is authentically Canadian, and build something real here, with their own home fans cheering for them.

For a very long time, we have seen the best Canadian players choose to pack up and head to the U.S. to join the NWSL, or even move to another country just to keep playing at a high level. Those moves gave us amazing players for the national team but at the same time It felt like we were missing something. Canada deserved more than being a talent exporter. We deserved to have something of our own.

And now, the Northern Super League (NSL) is here.

You can feel how much this means just by listening to the players.

Vancouver Rise FC’s Quinn said it best:
“I’m so excited to come home and play professional soccer in Canada.”

The coaches feel it too. Calgary Wild’s head coach Lydia Bedford said,

“The very first home game, we really want to create a special moment that day. Be a part of it. Come on the journey with us.”
It is the start of a journey. Not just for the teams, but for everyone who’s been waiting for women’s soccer in Canada to finally have its moment.

Montreal Roses FC head coach Robert Rositoiu probably put it better than anyone when he said, “They deserve it. Women in Quebec, women in Canada, they deserve it.”
Not just about soccer. It’s about respect, opportunity, and building something new for the generation.

Fans need to be in the stadium and support their team, to support and to witness one of the most exciting things to happen in Canadian women’s sports in a long time.

For more information, please visit:
https://www.nsl.ca/

A victorious day for the Whitecaps in Minnesota

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(photo: @WhitecapsFC, x.com)

A victorious day for the Whitecaps in Minnesota, as they extended their lead atop the Western Conference with a 3-1 win against Minnesota United in Saint Paul, Minn., on Sunday, April 27.

Sebastian Berhalter opened the scoring with a screamer from outside the box in the 55th minute, after a VAR drama over a potential offside following an attack down the right side by Giuseppe Bovalina. The play was initially ruled offside, but the goal was allowed by referee Drew Fischer after a video review.

The Whitecaps dominated the match, adding two more goals in the 66th and 70th minutes through Pedro Vite. After coming on as a substitute in the 63rd minute, Vite made an immediate impact. He combined with Daniel Ríos and J.C. Ngando, skillfully lobbing the ball past goalkeeper Dayne St. Clair in the 66th minute. The Ecuadorian international now has eight goal contributions across all competitions this season (three goals, five assists).

Just four minutes later, in the 70th minute, Vite struck again. After a set-up from Ngando and Ali Ahmed, he fired a one-touch strike into the bottom right corner, once again beating St. Clair and showcasing the strength of the Whitecaps’ attacking front.

At the postmatch press conference, the ‘Caps’ Head Coach Jesper Sørensen talked about the performance of his players:

“When you change as much as we did for this game, I think that you don’t really have certainty what the outcome will really be… I trust the players, they have been doing well so I don’t have any reason not to trust them… in the second half, we got more flow into the game, and we came further and closer to scoring. And then, Sebastian [Berhalter], of course – him stepping onto the pitch in the second half – helped a lot… Pedro [Vite] played a great game when he came in, scoring two goals, being a decisive player for us in this victory. Him and Sebastian – you can see how much they have grown out of this period we’ve been in. They’ve got a lot of confidence, they have good belief in themselves and it’s players that want to improve and they have improved I think.”

Watch the full post match interview here:

The Whitecaps extended their unbeaten run record to five matches to begin the year (3W-0L-2D). It’s the best five-game start on the road in the club’s MLS era, setting a strong foundation heading into their next big match in Florida.

The ‘Caps will now shift focus to the highly anticipated second leg of the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals against Inter Miami CF, set for Wednesday, April 30, at Chase Stadium in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Kickoff is scheduled for 5 p.m. PT.