Canucks' South Asian Night celebrated diversity of Vancouver (PHOTOS, VIDEOS)

Mar 31 2018, 1:40 am

Hockey is more than just a game.

It’s a way of connecting people – and communities – together, and that’s what Thursday’s South Asian Celebration Night at the Vancouver Canucks game was all about.

It was a calculated night to hold the festivities. With the Edmonton Oilers in the house, it was set up to have all three players in NHL history with South Asian decent in the arena.

The Oilers’ Jujhar Khaira is the only active South Asian player in the league, while Manny Malhotra is a former player and current Canucks specialty teams coach, and former Canuck (and first-ever NHL player of South Asian decent) Robin Bawa was there to do the ceremonial puck drop.

The Vancouver Canucks downed the Edmonton Oilers 2-1 in the game, but there were plenty of moments worth celebrating before and after the game as well thanks to the festivities.

There was tons of music and dancing, and of course the Hockey Night in Canada Punjabi crew was there to soak it all in too. The HNIC Punjabi crew has been an integral piece in connecting many Indo-Canadians to the game of hockey through their unique view of the sport.

Their broadcasts have always been known for the high amounts of energy, and they went viral for their “BONINO BONINO BONINO” call from the 2016 Stanley Cup Playoffs.

The night’s festivities included a pre-game performance from DJ Heer, the Canadian anthem done by Indian Standard Time, and in-game music by Delhi 2 Dublin.

There was also plenty of dancing, including a performance from the South Asian Arts Society that was turned into one of the best Canucks GIFs out there after the 2-1 victory was secured.

It was a fun night for everyone involved, and a great celebration of one of the many cultures we have in this city. In the end, what sums the night up best might just be the Canucks famous tagline.

‘We are all Canucks.’

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