Canucks having tribute to Larionov

[Guest CaliWingsNut]

Igor Larionov figures it took him roughly eight years to escape the grasp of the Soviet Ice Hockey Federation and particularly the head coach of the national team he grew to detest, Viktor Tikhonov. While the Canucks drafted him in 1985, it wasn't until three years later when he broke the barrier that prevented Soviet players from joining NHL teams. Larionov performed his artistry for just three seasons in Vancouver but remains a fan favourite and the feeling is mutual. It took him eight seconds to accept the Canucks' invitation for him and his wife Elena to be in the spotlight at tonight's game against Calgary. Stephanie Willox of the Canucks' 40th Anniversary Committee tracked Larionov down in Dearborn, Mich., where he's a partner in a winery branded Triple Overtime. When Stephanie uncorked the question about his availability for a night in his honour, she could almost hear him toasting her through the telephone.

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[Guest ToMaToToWnWinGsFaN_24]

way to be classy vancouver

ill be watching that for sure :clap:

[Chelios57 31]

This team seems to drum up history to feel important.

Retire Stan Smyl's number? Seriously?

Retire Markus Naslund's number? Seriously?

Nothing at all against Larionov, but his relationship with this franchise is very minimal. If Luongo retired today they'd probably retire his number too.

[Guest ToMaToToWnWinGsFaN_24]

well yeah..but still

It took him eight seconds to accept the Canucks' invitation for him and his wife Elena to be in the spotlight at tonight's game against Calgary

so obviously he doesnt have a problem with it

[Chelios57 31]

well yeah..but still

It took him eight seconds to accept the Canucks' invitation for him and his wife Elena to be in the spotlight at tonight's game against Calgary

so obviously he doesnt have a problem with it

I know. It's nothing against Larionov whatsoever. I just think the Canucks are grasping at straws for history. You want history, make it, don't reach for it. Who the hell celebrates a 40 year anniversary anyways. Who the hell retires Naslunds number?

I'm just saying the Canucks don't have a rich history, but they're trying to make one.

Start by sticking to one jersey style, with one set of colors...

[GMRwings1983 8,803]

They honor him before Bure?

May as well have honored Fedor Fedorov.

I can see the Sharks doing this, but not the Canucks.

[VM1138 1,921]

Curious move, but anything that honors Larionov is okay with me.

I agree with a previous poster, the first step to creating a legacy for your team is sticking with one freaking jersey or color scheme.

But as for a 40 year anniversary, that's nothing to mock. For a Wings fan it's "young" but it's still an important landmark for a sports franchise, every decade is, really. Just an excuse to sell some commemorative stuff and thank the city for continued support. The Wings will gladly celebrate their 90th anniversary in 2016, and that's an odd number, too.

[DatsyukianDekes 2,428]

They honor him before Bure?

May as well have honored Fedor Fedorov.

I can see the Sharks doing this, but not the Canucks.

was gonna come in and post this.