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The Vancouver Canucks’ early departure from playoff contention has left more than just the team’s loyal followers feeling disheartened. Local bars and restaurants are also feeling the impact, forecasting significant losses that a playoff run might have mitigated.
Murray Saunders, the general manager of the Shark Club, a well-known sports bar located near Rogers Arena, expressed the disappointment felt by many. “This city was alive with excitement last season,” he noted. “The financial difference is significant; we could have made hundreds of thousands of dollars during those playoff games. Last year, the venue was packed with fans queuing long before the games started, and it remained bustling throughout.”
Although the Canucks have a few games left this season, their playoff hopes were formally extinguished following the Minnesota Wild’s win over the San Jose Sharks earlier this week. This season has been marred by injuries and challenging losses, starkly contrasting with last year’s success when the team not only won the Pacific Division but also came close to reaching the Western Conference Finals.
According to the B.C. Restaurant and Foodservices Association, businesses in downtown Vancouver recorded an additional $3 million in revenue for each Canucks playoff game last year, an indication of how vital the team’s success is to the local economy.
In light of the Canucks’ absence from playoff contention, many in the industry are hopeful that a surge of national pride among sports fans might translate into support for other Canadian teams progressing in the playoffs. Teams from Toronto, Ottawa, and Winnipeg have secured playoff spots, with Edmonton likely to follow suit, and Montreal and Calgary remain in contention.
At the Black Frog Eatery, nicknamed Vancouver’s ‘Oilers bar,’ staff are optimistic about the potential influx of fans as they anticipate a playoff run for Edmonton. Cait Kennedy, a server and bartender at the establishment, shared her hopes. “As long as at least one Canadian team remains in the mix, we’ll be satisfied. We expect to see some Vancouver fans rooting for others now,” she said. “The rest of the year, we gear up for this time. It’s vital for us; the atmosphere here is all about fun and excitement.”
While this may not provide solace for the Canucks’ dedicated supporters, local establishments are ready to welcome fans, offering a space for them to gather and cheer—no matter which Canadian team they decide to support.
Source
globalnews.ca