Local News
Abbotsford Canucks Calder Cup run good for local businesses
It’s a magical journey for the Vancouver Canucks farm team and it’s paying dividends for the local economy.
Game 3 of the best-of-seven series for the Calder Cup shifts back to Abbotsford Tuesday night, as the team is level with one game apiece against the Charlotte Checkers.
Abbotsford Mayor Ross Siemens tells 1130 NewsRadio that having hockey in June is like a hat trick for the community — it’s helping boost the bottom lines of businesses like restaurants and bars, it’s great for tourism, and it’s key to bringing in investors, given these games are getting attention across North America.
“It just broadens Abbotsford’s brand. There are so many unique opportunities. It just exposes us more regionally and gives people an opportunity to come into our city and see what we have to offer,” said Siemens. “It gets people thinking about what’s outside of Metro Vancouver, and Abbotsford is the gateway to the rest of the province.”
He says in this Calder Cup journey, fans are pouring in from Surrey, Mission, Langley, Maple Ridge, and Chilliwack.
“We have a lot of corporate people from Vancouver that are coming out, obviously because [the Vancouver Canucks] aren’t in the Stanley Cup run, and they’re taking a look. I think they look at the various investment opportunities that are here,” he explained.
“We are relatively affordable when you consider west of us how expensive it is … but in comparison to Metro Vancouver, it’s a great place to do business and I think it really starts to broaden people’s perspective of what we have to offer here.”
Siemens, a lifelong Vancouver Canucks fan who played hockey as a child, says the buzz around the city this team has created can’t be missed.
“It’s bringing a regional focus to the importance of working together and just how these types of things can really build your local economy and just build community spirit.”
He adds that he’s also hearing the team’s run is inspiring young kids to pick up the game.
The mayor is missing Tuesday night’s game because of a council meeting, but has tickets to Game 5.
“They never checked with me when they planned the game,” Siemens joked. “I’m very excited. I think we’re going to have the home ice advantage because it’s been two very close games.”
Regardless of whether the team wins or loses, he stresses that everyone is proud of them and teases them to stay tuned for something special to honour the club if they bring the Cup home.
Game 1 went to double overtime with the Canucks winning 4-3. Game 2 also went to overtime with the Charlotte Checkers taking it 3-2.
The next three games, including Tuesday’s, are being held in Abbotsford. Game 4 is Thursday, and Game 5 is Saturday. Puck drop is just after 7 p.m.
