We are just a few days away from the Vancouver Canucks kicking off training camp in Penticton, and a few of the veteran Canucks spoke to the media at the Jake Milford Charity Golf Tournament.
Filip Hronek led off as the media gathered to hear from him for the first time this season. Hronek had a busy summer, but admitted that it was a little too long and that he is excited to get things going for the 2026-27 season.
He has been skating with the group for a couple of weeks and has enjoyed being back on the ice with his teammates.
“A lot of fun so far. The skates are great, so we’re having a lot of fun and enjoying the last couple of days,” said Hronek. “Everyone is in a good mood and ready to get going, and I’m really excited about it.”
Hronek spoke about working with young players and wants to lead by example. He also discussed being with the Canucks during the rebuild and said that he committed to being here when he signed his extension, and is excited about the future.
Brock Boeser was next up and shared many of the same thoughts as Hronek. He has enjoyed being around the group and getting to work during their skates.
He likes the direction from upper management and spoke about that.
“It’s just a new chapter for our team. As long as you’re coming to the rink every day, wanting to get better, I think the management and Manny [Malhotra] are going to hold us all to high expectations. I think they’re going to expect us to come to the rink every day, working as hard as we can. And I think if you take it day by day, show up, [and] stick together as a team. We could have a way better year this year,” said Boeser.
Elias Pettersson was the final Canuck to speak, and he said he had a good summer of training and has enjoyed being back in Vancouver and seeing the guys every day.
“The vibes are good, guys are excited. Yeah, I’m looking forward for what’s ahead,” said Pettersson.
Pettersson said he had good conversations with General Manager Ryan Johnson during the offseason, and that the two discussed the future and what Pettersson can bring on the ice for the Canucks.
“I’m playing my best when I just feel like myself. [RJ] has been good in that regard, and he wants the best from you, and wants everyone to be happy. So, it’s been good,” said Pettersson.
Pettersson spoke about this coming season and the organization being in a rebuild.
“I don’t really think about losing. I mean, I’m just excited to play hockey again. Wins or losses, I think where we are, we’re just going to try to stack the days, get better every day, and we’ll see where it takes us,” said Pettersson. “Yes, we have a young team, but I think if we do good things, good things can happen.”
He later mentioned that his way of supporting creating a good culture in Vancouver is by being himself, practicing hard, and playing hard.
The Canucks begin their training camp on Thursday in Penticton and will be there until Sunday, but have a preseason game on Saturday in Seattle.
