Author Archives: Manvir Gupta

Thatcher Demko: Made of Glass

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It wouldn’t be a shock to anyone if you said that Demko, when healthy, is one of the best goalies in the league. There is one problem. He is never healthy.

Demko was drafted 36th overall by the Canucks in 2014, after which he would continue to play at Boston College. During the off season in April 2015 Demko would have surgery on both his hips. This was the start of a long history of being injured.

He would go most of the next few years healthy and would play a good amount of games.

In the last season he played with Boston Demko would go 27-8-4 with a .935 save percentage. This helped him win the  Mike Richter Award, which is given to the most outstanding goaltender in the NCAA. Despite all the accolades of that season he would fall sick in the semi finals of the Frozen Four and would miss out playing. The Eagles would eventually lose out to Quinnipiac.

Demko decided not to play out his senior year of college and signed an entry level deal with the Canucks in 2016. He would then move to playing for the American Hockey League (AHL) team Utica Comets. The Comets were the Vancouver affiliate team at the time.  He would play out 2 seasons in the AHL averaging 46 games before coming up to the NHL.

In January of 2019 Demko had found himself in the back up position when the Canucks dealt away the back up at the time Anders Nilsson. He was just coming off of a concussion at the time. Demko would find himself in the driver seat near the end of the 2019-20 season when Jacob Markstrom got injured and would be out for the next month.

Demko would make his first playoff appearance in the COVID-19 playoffs in 2020. He would be watching most of the games until Markstrom would go out again with an injury. In his debut the Canucks were already facing elimination down 3-1 in the series vs the Vegas Golden Knights. He would put up an amazing effort stopping 42 of 43 shots in a 2-1 win. The Canucks would swing the momentum with Demko at their back and would win the series.

That would be the last time the Canucks would make the playoffs until the 2023-24 season where Demko would again be one of the MVPs. He had such a good season with a .918 save percentage in 51 games. However, the playoffs would be a devastating turn in Demko’s health.

In a playoff game against the Nashville Predators, Demko would injure his popliteus muscle and that would be the end of his time in the net that season. Actually it wouldn’t be until half way through the 2024-25 season that the Canucks would finally see the goaltender play a few games and then go off with another injury.

Everything seemed great in the 2025 off season, but after playing 20 games in January 2026 the Canucks announced Demko would be out for the rest of the season with hip surgery.

I think Demko is one of the best goalies in the league and hope this last surgery will be the cure to all his problems. I would love to have him back in net helping the canucks with his flashy saves.

Curtis Douglas and the Comeback of The Enforcer

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The Canucks had an abysmal season, but Curtis Douglas was a joy to watch.

Douglas is a huge player coming in at a whopping 6’9” and a subtle 242 pounds. He is a giant. Unlike previous big guys we’ve had in the past (Myers), Douglas isn’t afraid to use his whole body in checks.

Douglas had a long career in the OHL and AHL. After getting drafted 106th overall in the 2018 NHL Entry Draft, he would play 3 seasons in the OHL for the Windsor Spitfire. Douglas played 166 games with 72 goals and 69 assists during his time in Windsor. He showed solid progression through the seasons ending with a 60 point season in 62 games.

His AHL stint is a little messier. He was moved to the Belleville Senators where he would only play 11 games of the 2020-21 season. Then he was moved to the Toronto Marlies. Here he was still a productive scoring player. In 2022-23 Douglas went through the last move in AHL as he settled with the Tucson Roadrunners, after being signed by then Arizona Coyotes (now Utah Mammoth).  Here his role might have changed a bit. Lets just say his size started becoming more of a factor in his game. In the 3 seasons and 170 games he accumulated 68 points and 384 PIM (Penalties in Minutes).  That’s roughly 6.5 full games in the box.

Douglas wouldn’t play his first NHL game until the 2025-26 season when the Tampa Bay Lightning would claim him off waivers. Here he role as big man does strong things kinda solidified as in his debut game he would fight Kurtis MacDermid . He would play 29 games averaging 6 minutes of ice time a game and 92 PIM. Averaging at around 3 PIM a game. Tampa would put him back on waivers as of March 5th 2026 and the Canucks would pick him up the next day.

On the Canucks, the big man stereotype did not stop. Nor did the fans want it to. Douglas is now seen as the protector of the team. You wanna mess with anyone, you gotta go through the great wall of Curtis Douglas. And their dynamic seemed to be working. In the last 14 games he played this season the team looked stronger on the ice. Any time anyone would mess around after the whistle he would come in flying to stand ground.  Douglas would also score his first NHL goal with the Canucks which is really cool.

At the end of the day, I’m glad the Canucks were able to claim Douglas off waivers. He is a solid guy and helps support the team by making them stronger on the ice. I hope he gets to stick around.

The Canucks need someone who can change the game with a big hit or a fight and Douglas can be the one to do it.

Next Canucks Head Coach

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Don’t get me wrong Adam Foote is the tank commander that I think the Canucks need right now.

With that being said I don’t think we should continue with him past this season. I understand that he had a hard job with losing so many players to trades and injuries, but I don’t think he is the right coach to lead a new young squad through this rebuild.

Adam Foote also seemed rushed into the job. It felt like panic from the management to both find a replacement for Tocchet and someone that Quinn Hughes would be ok with. Not to say that he doesn’t deserve the job, he has been working hard and really got dealt bad hand after bad hand.

Now on the path forward.I think we don’t have to look far to find a coach thats had recent success. Actually he is in our organization and was in the past too.

Manny Malhotra.

He is currently the Head Coach of the Abbotsford Canucks and has been an assistant coach in the NHL. Manny would take the Head Coach position in May 2024 and would proceed to lead the team the the Calder Cup in his first season. This past season has been a different story. Abbotsford would lose some key players in the offseason. Coupled with all the problems with the Vancouver Canucks like injuries and trades, the Abbotsford line up was decimated. They ended the 205-2026 season at 29th. Still out performing the parent organization.

https://twitter.com/abbycanucks/status/1845139885046497612

I think there is an argument to be had that he hasn’t been the coach long enough. As the 32nd place team now is a chance to give someone a chance to break into the NHL as a new coach. It’s often that the same coaches rotate around the league and rarely do you see new faces.

Malhotra has shown his high hockey IQ through his play.

He had the second highest faceoff percentage in the league in 2011 with 61.7%. Thats crazy. Also being nominated for the Selke Trophy and seen as a potential winner in 2011 before getting hit in the eye with a puck that March. That would take him out for the rest of the regular season and would need 2 surgeries. The effort and determination he has was also on display as he was thought to be done with the post season too, but was able to come back in the Stanley Cup Finals where the Canucks would eventually lose to Boston in 7.

Despite not being a head coach for long I think it’s time for the Canucks to take a chance on Malhotra.

He is a winner after all.

Emmanuel Sabbi : The Effortless Winger

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Sabbi has been an excellent addition to the already amazing Whitecaps squad.

His work on the wings looks effortless. The way he’s able to draw in a play to one on one and beat them over and over again. I would be so embarrassed as a defender. And the curl he gets on his shots, it’s like drawing a parabola.

Sabbi has been around to a few different leagues. He started his career in the Superliga, which is the Danish pro league in 2018 with Hobro IK. There he would have 81 appearances with 16 goals and 7 assists.

In 2020 he would transfer to Odense BK, another team in the Superliga. Sabbi would gain a little boost in production, where he would make 89 appearances having 21 goals and 14 assists.

There is one more stop on the train before we get to the Whitecaps, it’s the french team Le Havre. He would play 2 seasons there and make only 49 appearances. The system was clearly not working for Sabbi here as he only had 5 goals and 1 assist in that time. An unprecedented time in his career as he has always produced goals.

Finally we get to the Vancouver Whitecaps.

Sabbi came over in a deal with Le Harve for just over €1 million. He would make a splash in his first season in 2025 scoring 9 goals and 7 assists in 42 appearances. He also drew 4 penalties, so you know he is a problem in the opponents box. They would rather foul him than let him get the shot off.

Sabbi has clearly found a new home here in Vancouver. One where he can gel with his teammates. You can see it in the way he celebrates goals and his quick on field decisions.

The role he plays in the team is an important one. Drawing in all the defenders and taking the heat so that someone can slip past in open space. Getting the ball into the box for a tap in pass or a crazy top corner curler. Sabbi can really do it all.

Another cog is the Sorensen machine that runs the Whitecaps to the top of the standings.

The Curious Case of Liam Ohgren

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Everyone and their dog knows the Canucks traded Quinn Hughes this season, and it really wasn’t a good feeling.

What is a good feeling is how well the players the Canucks  got back performed. Zeev Buium has had big shoes to fill, but that wasn’t the expectation of him. We know he is a young player with his own style of play. All we wanted was that he showed growth and he fit into the locker room right away.

The Canucks also acquired Marco Rossi, who was injured when he first arrived. The second he came back the Canucks seemed to gain some balance on the ice.

The hidden surprise was Liam Ohgren. At first glance it just seemed like a potential prospect, who hadn’t really played many games. Had very few points to show for it.

After playing 46 games across 3 seasons for the Wild, Ohgren was only able to get 7 points.

In the AHL he would produce at a higher rate. In the 2024-25 season Ohgren would get 37 points in 41 games. It seemed like his game struggled to transition to the NHL.

Holy did he arrive in Vancouver like dynamite. His speed and effort, everything was on display. He was playing like it was his last chance to prove he belonged in the NHL. Ohgren showed that this was where he belonged. Playing with tough grindy lines, you would always see him on the forecheck applying pressure. Then when the puck popped out to the slot he was there to capitalize.

In the 51 games on the 32nd ranked team in the league Ohgren had 18 points. Spending almost 15 minutes on the ice a game. A solid dependable 3rd line (for now) forward. I’m sure Ohgren will have plenty of time in the NHL and shows his potential is higher than what we’ve seen.

I’m really rooting for Ohgren to become a long time Canuck, he is fun to watch.

 

Player Report: Brian White

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As a Whitecaps fan Brian White’s name is synonymous with goal scorer.

He is always in the right place at the right time. Whether it’s slipping into open space without anyone noticing or having the perfect first touch to control a long pass Brian does it all.

 

Similar to Tristan Blackmon, Brian was drafted in the 2018 MLS Super Draft. He started out with the New York Red Bulls II in the USL. There he would quickly prove his worth by scoring 10 goals and 5 assists in just 26 appearances.

 

In the August of 2018 White would sign his first professional contract in the MLS. Continuing with the New York Red Bulls he really wasn’t seeing much play time. That didn’t really hurt his numbers though. In 2019 he would only make 19 appearances but still managed to score 8 goals.

 

Fast forward to 2021 and the Whitecaps acquire Brian White in a deal with New York. He came in guns blazing and really up’d the production, leading the team in scoring 12 goals in 29 appearances. He would also register his first MLS hat trick.

 

2022 was definitely a slump year but that happens sometimes.

 

However, in 2023 he reformed. It was like in 2022 he was just in a cocoon waiting to turn into this amazing forward that knows no bounds.  In 43 appearances he would net 20 goals and 6 assists. Same in 2024 but with 16 goals and 3 assists.

 

2025 rolls around and another wall breaks down as Brian White would have a career high season. In 36 appearances he would score 24 goals and mark 3 assists. Breaking his career high of 20 across all competitions.

 

Brian stays as a staple in the attack as a dynamic forward. His speed and strength in the air help him get to every ball. The Whitecaps haven’t had a true forward like this in years, he may be one the best in the MLS era.

 

I hope his good form continues throughout this season. It is just amazing to watch this team perform at the high quality level it does and Brian is a core to that.

 

Player Report: Tristan Blackmon

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Tristan Blackmon is a staple in the Vancouver defence.

 

His unstoppable mentality combined with his high IQ defensive positioning he is everywhere all the time.

 

Tristan has been in the league since 2018 when was drafted by LAFC in the Super Draft. Over the next 4 seasons he would play 79 games for them.

 

He got selected by Charlotte F.C. in the expansion draft and then was traded to the Whitecaps.

 

He instantly became a regular in Vanni Sartini’s defensive structure. Starting most of the 29 appearances. He’s not just defensively good. Tristan’s height became a huge asset when it comes to set plays. Corners and freekicks you would see him going to the box. In his best season in 2025 he was able to score 5 goals. Really a well rounded defenceman who steps up in big games.

 

As the seasons went on the reliance on Tristan has gotten higher. So has his play. The Whitecaps have only let in 7 goals this season across 11 games. I get it’s a team effort but Tristan is the one consistently leading the back line and making the big tackles.

 

His effort doesn’t go unnoticed. In 2025 he won the MLS defender of the year. He was the first Whitecaps player to do that. And one of four Whitecaps to make the MLS all star team.

 

He has also gotten an opportunity to represent his home country. During the amazing season of 2025 he got the call up to the US men’s national team. And had the chance to play in two friendly matches.

 

As of May 13th has played every minute of each game he has started in the MLS. He wasn’t subbed on or taken off for a minute. That speaks to how important he is to keep the team steady.

 

I’m glad he is able to be a part of the Whitecaps and in my opinion our back 4 wouldn’t be as strong if we didn’t have him.

 

Our Defence King Tristan Blackmon.

Player Report: Jeevan Badwal

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The boy from Surrey turned to a community champion.

 

Jeevan Badwal is a BC native who made his way through the academy to finally make the Whitecaps senior squad in 2024.

 

I’m glad there is a way for local players to make their way into the large teams. Jeevan’s hard work and endless effort shows on and off the pitch.

 

He started his journey at the age of 4 in 2010. When he was 10 he was invited to an academy camp in  Arizona. After going through a series of different youth teams Jeevan found himself in the Whitecaps Academy in the August of 2019.

 

In February 2024 he would sign his first professional contract with the team as a loan from the junior team. In September of that year he would sign a home grown player contract and join the team full time.

 

2025 would be the first time he gets the opportunity to play most of the season. He had 31 appearances and scored 1 goal and has 3 assists.

 

The way the stadium lights up when Badwal gets onto the pitch. Chanting one of our own, which is common when you have a local player on your team. I was at the game where he scored his first goal, and the feeling was better than any goal before that. It was a kind of warmth like a parent watching as their kid archives their goals. This is why I love watching sports.

 

And as of January 2026 Jeevan had his first call up to the Canadian international men’s team. At the age of 20. I’ll tell you I was not doing anything near as cool or productive at 20.

 

I think having local players is the best part of sports. Someone the community can relate to and knows the in’s and out’s of the city. Jeevan Badwal is hopefully one of many examples of players who grow their passion locally and are rewarded with playing for the city’s team.

FIFA in Vancouver

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FIFA is transforming Vancouver.

In 2022 Vancouver was officially selected to be part of the Canadian cities that would host some of the 2026 World Cup games. The only other city taking part in Canada is Toronto. With that announcement also came the burden of preparation.

 

There needed to be a certain amount of fields for teams to practice, places with security but also good facilities.

 

So it started 3 years ago with updates to smaller parks and stadiums to be up to FIFA standard. Like how BC Place has just put in actual grass as per the requirement of FIFA. Now the changing of downtown scenery. Removing all the local team decals and logos to meet advertising standards. I mean even Science World is taking part, transforming the silver sphere into a soccer ball.

 

One cool thing is how the anticipation in the city is starting to build. Bars and restaurants getting ready to host watch parties and hopefully parties after the wins. People of all nations putting on jerseys and celebrating a chance to compete for being known as the best of the rest. All eyes are on this tournament and it’s truly larger than ever. This time around there are going to be 48 teams as opposed to the 32 of the 2022 World Cup.

 

There are also viewing parties that will be set up across the Lower Mainland. There is one planned on Granville Island where there will be up to 1,000 seats. There’s also the FIFA Fan Festival which will be hosted at the PNE. The festival has live musicians, activities like shooting against a robot goal keeper, a skills showcase for all ages, and tons of food options.

 

Vancouver feels alive and by all means it hasn’t even begun. We are still expecting thousands of visitors from all round the world to come here and cheer on their teams. Imagine how hectic and crazy it’ll be as thousands flood Granville Street after a match to celebrate their team’s win.

 

I hope we can show everyone from around the world, like we did in 2010, that this is a great city.

 

Vancouver can be a party city too.

Player Report: Andres Cubas

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Adres Cubas is a valuable defensive midfielder that the Whitecaps rely on.

 

His passion is seen in each tackle and his vision is great for long passes and shutting down attacks.

Cubas has had a long journey to arrive where he has now with the Whitecaps. It started in the Argentine Primera Division in 2013 where he spent 4 years with the club Boca Juniors.

After being loaned out a couple of times and spending 2 years at Talleres he transferred to Nimes Olympique. A team in France.

 

The Whitecaps would acquire Cubas from the french team for a small fee of $3 million USD in 2022.He would quickly establish his role as a lockdown midfielder with a tendency to go a little to ham sometimes. With that being said he ended the 2022 season leading the team in tackles (36) and interceptions (34) despite only playing 20 games. This trend would continue for another year where he would reach 50 interceptions and 40 tackles in 37 games.

 

Not every tackle can be perfect though as he tends to foul a lot and sometimes get a yellow card. Maybe more than sometimes.

 

If we look back to the 2025 season, one of the best seasons for the whitecaps in recent history, he accumulated 15 yellow cards. 15 yellows in 41 games. I mean when you see how hard he goes in for some of those tackles sometimes I’m surprised they aren’t red. This season he already has 6 yellows in 12 games. That’s 0.5 yellows a game.

 

Regardless of that we have seen him shut down big players. He played a vital role in shutting down Messi the last time the teams met in the CONCACAFChampions Cup. Cubas also helped paraguay secure their place in the 2026 world cup for the first time in 15 years.

 

He is a great sport with the Whitecaps and I love seeing him on the official social media. Always has a smile on his face but don’t get it twisted, you will never dribble past him.

 

Either he’ll get the ball or he’ll get you.