The Vancouver Canucks are back on the ice at Rogers Arena, and informal skates are underway.
The team split into two groups on Tuesday morning for two on-ice sessions; the players worked through drills and competed in small-area games.
Brendan Gallagher and Luke Schenn were in the first group, and both veterans have been enjoying getting to know their new teammates and staff around the arena.
Gallagher begins a new chapter of his career with the hometown team, after being traded from Montreal to Vancouver on June 29th. He has been taking time to get acquainted with the facilities, his teammates, and the staff before training camp.
“It’s the first time I’ve had to go through this as a pro, and it’s different. So, you want to spend as much time in your new environment as possible, get to know your teammates, and it’s been really productive, and I’m enjoying it,” Gallagher said.
With all the players back in town for two weeks before training camp starts, Gallagher says that it shows everyone cares and is a good step in building the culture the Canucks want.
“It’s a really good group. You can tell the guys get along right away, and you know it’s going to be fun,” Gallagher said. “Everyone’s excited to be here, everyone’s excited to get back to work, and these are fun times for us.”
While Gallagher is experiencing a new team on the ice, he and his wife, Emma, added another member to their family roster, welcoming their second daughter, Ella, in August.
“It’s been awesome. My wife is handling a lot right now, so obviously very appreciative to have her. Having two under two is just as tough as they always say, and she’s taking the brunt of it right now,” Gallagher said. “We’re very happy, and there’s nothing like becoming a parent, and it feels just as amazing the second time as well.”
Schenn is back for his third tour with the Canucks and says there’s been good energy at skates and in the locker room, and everyone is taking it one day at a time.
“I think it’s ‘Let’s get together here as a group and bond and meet the coaches, buy into their messaging and go from there,’” Schenn said.
“Right now, everyone’s just coming to camp, everyone’s pumped to be here, and there’s a great energy around here. I think that’s sort of what everyone’s feeding off of right now.”
From the conversations he’s had with the team, the group is more comfortable this year than they were last year, as the younger players enter their second season with the club. There’s a lot of energy with a young group, and a sense that everyone is pushing to elevate their play.
“There’s a lot of skill and guys that I think got a lot to show and prove, whether you’re a young guy or a middle-aged guy, or an older guy, everyone’s got a lot to prove to themselves and one another in the room,” Schenn said. “As far as the young guys, a lot of high-end skill, a lot of guys who are only going to get better, and it’s exciting to be part of that.”
Going into his 19th NHL season, Schenn says his role will be to set an example in practices and games, showing the group what it means to be an everyday pro. He’s been getting to know the young blue liners over the last few days, but he played against them and watched them from a distance last season, and he says they can all learn from each other.
“It’s contagious when you have good young players who you know get it,” Schenn said. “There’s different ways of jumping into this league, but it feels like these guys really understand what it takes. They’re all pros in the weight room and trying to put in some extra work, and they all want to be long-time NHLers and have success in this league. We’re just here to help them and push them, and vice versa.”
The veterans were encouraged by what they’ve seen over the past few days and are looking forward to keeping the energy high before training camp.
