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.
More than just a game. For some South Asian #Canucks fans, hockey is a way to connect with new friends and help bridge cultural gaps. #WeAreAllCanucks pic.twitter.com/AGo0hqUcPD
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 29, 2018
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.
Most unique rendition of Canada's national anthem at Rogers Arena this season? #Canucks pic.twitter.com/3UWpj0Oto3
— Omar A (@omarcanuck) March 30, 2018
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.
.@HkyNightPunjabi has helped grow the game and fan base in Vancouver. Tonight the #Canucks are proud to recognize those efforts and celebrate the South Asian community. pic.twitter.com/kG8pSjj8ps
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 29, 2018
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.
*Blesses your timeline* #BONINOBONINOBONINO@IceSinghHNIC @RandipJanda @HarpPandher @BhupinderHundal pic.twitter.com/07TXfKje21
ā Hockey Night Punjabi (@HkyNightPunjabi) May 31, 2016
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.
š #CANUCKS WIN!! š pic.twitter.com/jLW1AEgfT8
— Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 30, 2018
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.
Relive some of the best sights and sounds from the #Canucks South Asian Celebration Night at @RogersArena. pic.twitter.com/ygeb727p8D
ā Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) March 30, 2018
‘We are all Canucks.’
Watching @Canucks hockey was a huge part of our childhood.
Celebrating South Asian Night with my Father.
Much love to the team @HkyNightPunjabi & @Canucks for the hospitality tonight.#Canucks pic.twitter.com/nT41WvYnKF
— Singh Brothers (@SinghBrosWWE) March 30, 2018
Last night was all about community. Very happy to attend first ever @canucks South Asian night n honour our guy (first Punjabi Indian to play in the @nhl) Robin Bawa. Geat guy from a pioneer fam that came to Duncan, BC in 1906. Shoutout @hockeynightpunjabi boys for organizing! pic.twitter.com/ErCFa80ZdR
— Arjan Singh Bhullar (@TheOneASB) March 30, 2018
What a memorable night in #YVR with our @HkyNightPunjabi crew for the #SouthAsian #Hockey celebration game! #Canucks #Oilers #HockeyNight #Punjabi #HockeyIsForEveryone pic.twitter.com/dxCWyfauF4
— Harnarayan Singh (@IceSinghHNIC) March 30, 2018
Bhangra flash mob for South Asian night as the @Canucks get set to take on the @EdmontonOilers! @DJHeerMusic @southasianarts pic.twitter.com/Ty1FcuJ4CO
— Amrit Gill (@AmritG) March 30, 2018
Proud to be part of #SouthAsianCelebrationNight @RogersArena! Tonight we celebrate the rich culture & contributions of Canadian South Asians to hockey in BC. @southasianarts @Canucks pic.twitter.com/bjdUY96wet
— Vij's (@EatDrinkVijs) March 30, 2018