BCNeil Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 At training camp in Whistler last September, GM Jim Benning and Head Coach Travis Green told me this was going to be a building year for the Canucks. A year to establish a new culture and a faster, more urgent style of play. They felt compromising the future for any short-term gain wasn’t worthwhile. I agreed.We had specific goals this season. Forge a new identity, one not shaped by the Sedins. Identify the foundation players we can build around. Have our young guys, supported by veterans, come together and develop and learn just how tough it is to win in this league. Play hard, entertaining hockey. Never give up, battle every night. I thought we did that, almost every game. We played with a lot of heart. You could see chemistry develop and guys playing for each other. Don’t get me wrong. I hate losing. I don’t like finishing where we did in the standings. When you’ve come within a game of winning it all, that’s the standard. I’m disappointed that we slipped out of playoff contention after hanging tough most of the season. It’s easy to point fingers, but it’s more productive to focus on progress and the big picture. Of course we will do a careful evaluation of the team and the whole franchise. But that’s done to inform the future. We’re looking ahead, and I saw many exciting positives this year. Jacob Markstrom developing into a true number 1 goaltender, and Thatcher Demko coming along nicely. Bo Horvat maturing into a skilled, durable leader who can play with anybody, against anybody, in any situation. Brock Boeser becoming a consistent offensive producer while developing his two-way game. Elias Pettersson stepping into the league with more skill and excitement than any Canuck rookie since Pavel Bure. Quinn Hughes providing an instant upgrade to our offensive game from the back end, looking right at home in the NHL from his first shift. Other young players gaining experience, growing noticeably, solidifying their spots on the roster. Jim and his group brought in some valuable additions who strengthen our team and give us needed depth. And they signed some young prospects we think will help us down the line. I’m confident we’re on the right path. Do I wish we were further along? Of course. But I recognize it’s a long process, it requires patience, there are no shortcuts. We’re absolutely determined to get back among the elite teams, capable of challenging for the Stanley Cup year after year. As an owner and lifelong Canucks fan, that’s what I’m committed to. That means we’ve all got serious work to do—everybody in the organization, on and off the ice, pulling together, focused on the long-term goal. I believe we’re a big step closer than we were a year ago. And we’ll be another step closer a year from now. We’re all looking forward to the entry draft here at Rogers Arena in June, and the many celebrations we’ve got planned for an unforgettable 50th season. Expect more news on that front soon. We’re moving in the right direction. The ownership group—my father Luigi, brothers Roberto and Paolo, and myself—are committed to providing the resources needed to build the team that Vancouver fans deserve. We’re on a journey, and we’re glad you’re sharing it with us. Thank you for your passion and your continuing support.Francesco Aquilini, Owner and Governor Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
oldnews Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 No need for 'excuses'. Odd title tbh. Not sure what the expectations were, but to remain in the playoff race was unrealistic, to put it mildly. Great season on a lot of levels given the sum of the circumstances. Onward and upward. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaimito Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 I think it is fine. Honest enough interpretation of the season. I renewed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Odd. Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 Pretty well written letter, not gonna lie. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Qwags Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 I think the team exceeded expectations. There's a feeling of hope, at least for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jaku Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 I'm not sure there's any excuses. The team was better than I anticipated. There's glimmer of hope for this team. A team has to take steps to rebuild and this year was one of them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gerry35 Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 Good letter, unnecessarily negative title to this thread. The future is bright and is worth the wait even if it takes longer than some people hope. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pears Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 What excuses did he make there? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
xereau Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 I feel that this team did establish an identity this year. Harder to play against. Competitive most nights. Burgeoning skill. And a work in progress. Aquilini is obligated to put a shiny spin on things for obvious reasons. But this team is poised for some BIG things in the coming years. Looking forward to seeing more prospects pop out of the woodwork. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Pepe Silvia Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 I think this is a fair response from our owner. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dixon Ward Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 Aquaman is one creepy guy. The fact that he puts himself in the middle of the team picture is the epitome of arrogance. I have no idea if other team owners do this, but it is gross. He is not part of the hockey team. Studio owners don't go on stage to accept academy awards. Nobody cares about the owner. Get out of the picture. He put himself right in the middle where the captain (Horvat) should be. However, I think this letter is straightforward and truthful, so I'll give him that! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanuckGAME Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 I'm actually on the exact same page as FA. The last thing I want is for this franchise to make knee jerk reactions. Moves like firing Benning or going after high end free agents locking up all our cash is the wrong way to go. Staying patient and believing in the process is what will win this franchise its 1st Stanley cup. Very very relieved reading his letter to the fans. I was very worried JB was getting the axe before hes gotten to see his rebuild through. I truly believe this franchise is heading in the right direction. It just takes time. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bree2 Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 Aquilini's letter just made me respect him more and more. he is a true fan of the Canucks like most of us on here. the letter was said from the heart. to say this was a yearly excuse shows that whoever put that title to it is not really a true fan. the Canucks did accomplish a lot this year , this team showed respect for each other and they never gave up. I salute the Aquilinis, Jim Benning , Travis Green , the Canuck players and the true fans of the Canucks Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
10pavelbure96 Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 Anyone who can't see what is unfolding is clearly not a fan but a mere casual spectator who only looks at the standings and doesnt understand what is being built before our very eyes Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
CanuckGAME Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 6 minutes ago, Dixon Ward said: Aquaman is one creepy guy. The fact that he puts himself in the middle of the team picture is the epitome of arrogance. I have no idea if other team owners do this, but it is gross. He is not part of the hockey team. Studio owners don't go on stage to accept academy awards. Nobody cares about the owner. Get out of the picture. He put himself right in the middle where the captain (Horvat) should be. However, I think this letter is straightforward and truthful, so I'll give him that! I think the creepy one is the only talking **** online behind his keyboard. Its a fairly common thing. You know, when you buy something that's worth 700 MILLION dollars. You get to do what you like. Its HIS TEAM. He owns it. When you buy your own team you dont have to be in the team photo if you dont want. But since he is the backbone of the franchise he can sit front and center where he belongs. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
MrCanuck94 Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 9 minutes ago, Dixon Ward said: Aquaman is one creepy guy. The fact that he puts himself in the middle of the team picture is the epitome of arrogance. I have no idea if other team owners do this, but it is gross. He is not part of the hockey team. Studio owners don't go on stage to accept academy awards. Nobody cares about the owner. Get out of the picture. He put himself right in the middle where the captain (Horvat) should be. However, I think this letter is straightforward and truthful, so I'll give him that! Wouldn't take too long to just do a 5 minute google search to see that every team does this. OP's title is a bad take. FA is a good owner, be happy he cares about the team and is willing to spend to make it better. Many people who criticize him have no background in business and it shows. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Ghostsof1915 Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 So you go on about he's making an excuse. Would you be happier if the team brought in more rentals and traded away draft picks just to make the playoffs? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
189lb enforcers? Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 Aquaman is a hockey fan, no doubt about it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
JeremyCuddles Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 Botchford? Is that you? With a title like that you should be a media member. Nothin’ but class. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
King Heffy Posted April 7, 2019 Share Posted April 7, 2019 Biased threat title aside, I agree with the content of the actual letter. Happy with the direction this team is taking and excited to add some more building blocks at the draft this year. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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