Mr. Canuck awestruck by goodbye

It's not official, but the fan favourite was given a hero's send-off

Jason Botchford, The Province

Published: Sunday, April 06, 2008

"He's a guy who doesn't get enough credit," said Calgary defenceman Robyn Regehr. "He really poured his heart not only to the Canucks, but to the city and has done a lot of good around Vancouver or wherever he has gone. I really think highly of Trevor and I'm sure if it's his last game, he'll be sticking around here because he likes the city."

Trevor Linden looks a little emotional as he skates past fans who are disappointed by the end of the season and, with Linden's expected departure, the end of an era.
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On this current construct of the Canucks, it will likely be Roberto Luongo who misses Linden when he announces his retirement. Luongo gave his best friend on the team a lasting embrace after the game.

"It was very emotional," Luongo said. "I don't know if he'll be back next year or not. It's tough to see not only a great teammate but a great friend that I've made here, in a moment like that."

jbotchford@png.canwest.com

LUONGO AN UNHAPPY CAMPER

Starting an emotionally spent Roberto Luongo in a meaningless game, in which he looked like he was being thrown to the wolves given the Canucks' defence, did nothing to quell unsubstantiated rumours that the Vancouver star is unhappy.

On a night when a Hockey Night in Canada segment speculated on whether "Luongo wants to get back to the East?" Canucks coach Alain Vigneault made the decision to start his exhausted, homesick goalie.

"I just thought it was the right thing to do for our fans," Vigneault said.

Vigneualt said he had planned to play Luongo the entire game, but opted for Curtis Sanford to start the second after a disastrous first 20 minutes.

Luongo was pulled after giving up three goals on eight shots, an unceremonious end to his tough season.

"You know what? I don't really care, my season ended Thursday as far as I'm concerned," Luongo said. "I tried to bring it, but obviously I didn't have anything left in the tank.

"I don't care, honestly. The season ended Thursday. It doesn't matter whether I started or not, all right?"

The Vancouver Province
 
 
 
 
 
 

your comments
D.J.
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 10:09 AM
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He's right...classy move by the Flames.Now,that being said,it is past time to give other players a "handshake"....
Bill
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 12:16 PM
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Trevor, if you leave the big dance floor do it with your head up, and remember the good times.
CC
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 12:48 PM
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Saying good bye to Trevor Linden is difficult. He has meant so much to the Canucks over the years. He is truly a classy guy and will be missed. I wish him well. As far a Roberto Luongo, sign him now long term and build a better team around him and we will make it to the Stanley Cup!
Dale Crewson
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 12:50 PM
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If our team had more players like Trevor we would be in heaven. He is your classic mold for a team leader and a man you look up to. He is the type of person you want your son to grow up like. It is a sad day when we don't have this man on our team. Thankyou Trevor for all those good years.
Dustin
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 01:04 PM
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Well, all the best to Trevor if he does retire! It has been awesome watching him for so may years. Awesome of the Flames to honour him too at the end.
Dale Crewson
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 01:04 PM
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I couldn't believe my eyes when I turned on my T.V. and saw the coach was starting Roberto, what was the coach thinking? The season was over, Roberto had carried the team for the second year in a row, he was exhausted, drained mentaly and the coach throws him to the wolves. Without hesitation I tried to find something on T.V. that would make me laugh as I wasn't a happy camper. For years Vancouver has been known as the grave yard for many a goalie, sounds like the coach and general manager are the grim reapers. Management and scouting or lack of) has always been a problem in Vancouver for years and years.
Brian
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 01:06 PM
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There have been a lot of quality human beings and skilled hockey players grace the Vancouver Canucks over the years but two have always stood head and shoulders above the rest. They are Trevor Linden and Stan Smyl. I hope the Canuck Brass find a permenant spot on this team for Trev as they seem to have done with Stan. If in fact this was Trevors last year, I wish him happiness in whatever path he chooses, he is a classy and well respected young man.
Melissa
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 01:09 PM
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A man of strong integrity and excellent sprtsmanship at his game. Very few will be remmebered over time, but Trevor Linden will go down in history as an outstanding hockey player, man of integrity and great sense of sportsmanship. He will be remembered and spoken of, for generations to come.
Class Act
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 01:24 PM
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It would of been nice too see Trevor Linden wear the C on the final game of his career, but at the end when Jerome Iginla lead his team too pay respect too Trevor Linden , thought that was one of the best things I've seen in sports. What a class act of a player in Jerome and a very good one as well. Go Flames!
Rob
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 01:40 PM
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There goes a class act. There isn't much room left over these days for heroes, but Trevor Linden definitely has staked his place in the hearts and souls of Vancouverites -- be they hockey fans, sick children and their families, local media, or just average joes behind the scenes who come into contact with the man on a regular basis, both on and off the ice. Thanks for all the great memories, Trev. Remember that massive smile on your face and the feeling when Pat Quinn handed you your jersey at the draft? THAT'S the fuel that fires the heart of a great player and an idol, someone we can all can be proud to call our hero.
John
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 01:42 PM
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There is nothing more I can say that hasn't already been said about Trevor. There are very few players in NHL history as universally liked as Trevor, and he constantly set an example of what it means to be a "professional" athlete. I want to personally thank Trevor for being a competitor every game night, and even more for being a true leader. Good luck, Trevor, in whatever you choose to do! As for Mr Luongo... let me get this straight... "My season ended Thursday"... are you kidding me? You are paid more money to play Saturday night's game than a lot of people make for a year's work! Don't disrespect the hard-working people who cough up 100's of $$$ to pay your salary by saying ridiculous things like that! Take a page from Trevor's book - play every game like it means something, even if it's only from a pride point of view! Again, Trevor, my family wish you the very best in the future, and we hope you choose to stay in Vancouver so that one day maybe we can be walking down the street and we run into you, and I can introduce my son to you and say to him "This is Trevor Linden, a true Canuck!".
Trevor Fan
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 02:18 PM
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Let's not say 'Good Bye', but instead 'Until we meet again'.....maybe he will coach or better run for Mayor!!!
Janet Cobb
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 02:41 PM
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Trevor Linden deserves every last one of the accolades afforded him over the years!! He is an example to every young hockey player out there!! On and off the ice! He has been a tireless ambassador to the sport, and if he should not be here next year, he will be sorely missed! Personally, he should be with a team who cares enough to play with him, and showcase his talents. Sadly, I do not feel like the Canucks are that team. I have followed them since their inseption in 1970, and year after year, except for one bright spot when they almost brought home the cup, they have been a disappointment. Perhaps moving them out of the city of Vancouver would help...I think perhaps they've been there too long. How about bringing them up to the Okanagan...breathe some new life into them! We love our hockey up here!! Just a thought. Anyway, I wish Trevor Linden only the best! It's the very least he deserves! He's a class act all the way!!
George
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 02:41 PM
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I do not understand why everyone says that Trevor does not have the game anymore. I have not watched every game this year but the ones that I did see had one unifying fact. Trevor was the only one giving it 100%. First line or fourth he made the hits, stood in front of the net, made plays, what else is there to do? If everyone else on the team gave half the effort that Trevor does, we would have made the play offs easily. Instead, we got to see the all to familiar lack luster season that is pro hockey in Vancouver. This is not a praise Trevor and damn the rest of the team rant. It is just the view of a Canuck fan sick of seeing the disrespect shown towards Trevor and the lazy attitude of this team year in and year out. Trevor needs to come back next year and the coaching staff need to give him the respect and playing time that Trevor wants and that the fans want. The captain's C needs to go back to where it belongs on the jersey of Mr Canuck #16 and have him first line center. Linden has led this team as far as it has ever gone as the leader. Given the chance next year, I believe he can do it again. GO LINDEN GO !!!! We love you Trevor !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Sherry
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 03:05 PM
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We are going to miss Trevor! A true Canuck!
Pete
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 03:10 PM
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Give the "C" back to Linden and see what happens. I believe there will be a huge change in the Canucks. Give Linden a reason to come back for one more season and be the captain for the team that a city which will support him through thick and thin. The rest of the Canucks should feel ashamed for such a pitty performance knowing it's possibly the town hero's final game. The least they could do is pretended they gave a crap....
Joe
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 03:15 PM
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So Luongo is saying his season ended on Thursday night?Judging by the score last night it is apparent that R.L. threw in the towel last night.What does that say to the paying customers at last nights game?That they should pay full price to see their goalie(R.L.)not put forth little or no effort.Fans expect the players to act as professionals.Unfortunately,Luongo failed to demonstrate that quality last night.
Kathy Morrison
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 03:22 PM
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I may be a Flames fan now but I used to live in Vancouver and was a Canucks fan for many years. Trevor Linden was always my favorite. I didn't like nor agree with the way he was treated for many years. Good luck to you, Trevor in your future endeavors. I still root for the Canucks when the Flames aren't playing.
CJ
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 04:08 PM
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Trevor......1 more season ! 1 more season ! You are the heart & soul of the Vancouver Canucks. No other player can compete. Vigneualt was stupid not to play you more often than he did. Good luck, I hope your back for 1 more season. Thanx 4 all you've done! CJ
Cheryl
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 04:15 PM
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Luongo should of had been with his wife from the All-star break. Sanford should of have had given the net minder job for the rest of the season. The team would of have had a greater chance of being in the playoffs! As for Linden goes, I think he still has a few more good yrs. Next season give Trevor Linden the C and let him decide when it's time for him to retire from the game of hockey!
mike jones
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 04:44 PM
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I am a grown man who only cries at funerals but I am not ashamed to ad mit I cried at the end of last nights game. Once that horrible game was finally over, it was nothing but a very classy affair, especially from Iginla and the boys. I hope Trevor stays with the organization, and wish him the best of luck. Thanks for the last 20 years.
Barb Katz
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 07:19 PM
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Trevor is beyond "a class act". You should have been there to see him at gate 9 around 4:00 p.m. on game day. Was this the last time that he put down his window and signed I am certain 40 autographs, personalizing everything that everyone wanted personalizing. The young lad ahead of me had Trevor sign 3 things for him and he did it willingly, emotionally and with the love that he has shown for us fans over the years. Thank you Trevor.
Kerri C.
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 08:43 PM
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If this is Trevor's last time with the Canucks, I sadly bid farewell to a man who has been the highlight of every game I have watched. As it stands, I bid adieu to the Canucks and wish Trevor Linden the best as I move to Alberta and hope that the future holds well for everyone.
Lloyd
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 08:52 PM
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How about giving us a nice wallpaper of Trvor walking off the ice such as the back page of today's paper. Cheers,
Zack
Sun, Apr 6, 08 at 09:56 PM
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(BAD CHOICE BY HEAD COACH) he was the best player in the playoffs last year but Vigneault decided to put him a lesser role this year. Good by Trevor you will be missed, you were my favorite player before i even knew what hockey was.
scott
Mon, Apr 7, 08 at 12:46 AM
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Seems Linden is being forced out in large part to the fans wanting something to celebrate-Linden's career. The fact is, when given the chance Linden is still a good contributer. He had the best shooting percentage on the team and put up decent points if you base it on his minutes played (not even to mention the lack of offensive situations he was put into).
Shaun Morrison
Mon, Apr 7, 08 at 01:25 AM
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I was there first hand on saturday night, an emotional night for any canuck fan. I went there for one soul purpose to single hand-idly cheer Trevor Linden back for another season. Could you believe it 18,630 other fans had the same plan. Although some might view his ovations as a fairwell they were quite the opposite, those chants and cheers were not goodbye but one more year brother Vancouver needs you!!!
Mo
Mon, Apr 7, 08 at 01:36 AM
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Never would i have thought i would say that a 7-1 loss will be a memory of a lifetime. Trevor is the apitimy of a canuck all heart, all class and all a part of us one way or another. Although I'll be sad to see him go if he decides its time (which I dont think it is) I hope he returns to be a part of this organization or even mayor, I know ill vote for him. Come back Trevor!!!
Daniel R
Mon, Apr 7, 08 at 12:55 PM
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I think Linden could possibly play another season under a different coach. He's good!, he has leadership, and can score in the shoot out. The farewells should have been directed Gm Dave (no balls) Nonis. Lets get some scoring, make this team fun to watch again. Remember Pavel?
Christine
Mon, Apr 7, 08 at 02:00 PM
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I'm very saddened thinking that this could be Trevors last season but we have to remember that what's in his heart is the most important thing. None of us want to see him leave but he has to do whats right for him. What I think would be great is giving him the "C" for he is the one who it truly belongs to and let him decide after a year with the "C" if it's the right time. The one and only Captain Canuck we will ever have is Trevor LInden. He is in our hearts and minds as one of the greatest Canadians ever to influence the young and old. We'll miss you!
Tony
Mon, Apr 7, 08 at 04:19 PM
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It is tought to see Linden go. Since i started watching hockey with my dad in '90 Linden has been the Canucks. From growing up with posters of him in my room, to every game watching him play, he has been a big part of my life. He is a classy, wonderful person. Second, i gained a large amount of respect for the Calgary organization/players after what they did. These teams have a huge rivalry and putting that aside and acknowledging the person/player that Trevor is was unbelievable. Props to them, it was great to see. We will all miss you Trev. and have great memories of your time here. Hope to see you back in another roll on the team.
Doodoo
Mon, Apr 7, 08 at 04:31 PM
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We all love Trev but he does not have it anymore, folks .... so, make him an assistant coach, or other PR type, and keep him around by all means.
canuckluck
Tue, Apr 8, 08 at 12:48 AM
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Give Trevor Linden the C and let him play!! Considering how many games he was scratched from, and how few minutes he played, he was amazing. He always steps up when it counts. Now that the Canucks need to rebuild, they need a true leader to guide them. Trevor Linden is the only one who can step up here and now. Coach V is a fool if he lets Trevor slip away now when they need him the most.
John
Tue, Apr 8, 08 at 08:52 PM
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I hate to see Linden go also.I can,t help but think how much sweeter his carreer would have been if some genius hadn,t sent Burke off to Anaheim.It was all downhill from there.
Leila Capell
Fri, Apr 11, 08 at 07:05 PM
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I just want to wish Trevor Linden all the very best for his future, which I hope, will be with the Canucks. He has been the very embodiment of a sportsman, both on and off the ice. I want to thank him for his years of dedication to the Canucks and to Canuck Place, and I hope he will continue to work with both of them. My husband says that Trevor should be made either a non playing team captain or a motivational coach - I think the latter would be better. He has proven over and over again that he has a lot of knowledge to impart to the younger players; perhaps his future lies in that direction. When Mad Mike Keenan sent Trevor away from Vancouver, the heart went out of the team and seeing the sheer joy on Trevor's face as he came out of the tunnel for his first game on his return, proved just how happy he was to be back 'home' - and, boy, were we happy to have our Mr. Canuck back. The team, overall, was pretty dismal this season, with flashes of the old brilliance showing every now and again, but some players, Trevor included, always gave their best. If they had all done that, all of the time, they could have at least got into the playoffs, which would have given Trevor a last chance at the one thing that has eluded him in his career - the Stanley Cup. But it was not to be and I know that Trevor would be the first to say that it doesn't matter. He's a classy act and there will always be a place for him in the hearts of Canucks fans. There had better be a great sendoff event planned for him, with his number being officially retired. THANK YOU MR. CANUCK! Good luck to you with whatever you decide to do.
dave
Tue, Apr 15, 08 at 03:33 AM
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heres an idea we can thank trevor by letting him be the captain of the team next year.he truly deserves a send of like that.Get rid of the coach because what he did to captain canuck was completely disgusting.he gave him no respect at all.come on trev we will get rid of mr defensive coach and let you lead the team like only you can.ONE MORE YEAR please trevor(aka captain canuck)
jake
Wed, May 7, 08 at 05:42 PM
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he is cool
jake
Wed, May 7, 08 at 05:45 PM
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i think he is a graet player .
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