'Honey, count the digits': Canadian scores Lotto Max jackpot while watching favourite hockey team

A Canadian lottery winner was left stunned after he won a huge Lotto Max jackpot over the holiday season.

Surrey, B.C., resident Arthur H. won a $1-million Maxmillion prize on the Lotto Max draw held on Dec. 26, 2025.

Arthur learned of his big win while he was at home watching his favourite team, the Vancouver Canucks, play.

Irish Mae Silvestre/Daily Hive

“I was at home with my wife, watching the Canucks game,” said Arthur. “We’re both Canucks fans.

“I got up during a break to check my ticket [on the BCLC Lotto! App] and I thought, ‘Wow!’ I was in a state of numbness, so I wanted to check again just to make sure.”

The winning ticket was bought at the Shell station on 152nd Street and 20th Avenue in Surrey.

The first person that the Metro Vancouver resident shared his win with was his wife.

“I went back to her and showed the ticket and asked, ‘What do we do now?’

“She said it was only $1,000, and I replied with, ‘Honey, count the digits!’”

BCLC

Arthur then walked over to a nearby gas station to use a self-scanner to double-check his ticket. It confirmed the life-changing win for the Canucks fan.

While Arthur said that he has no specific plans on how to use his windfall, he did share that he wants to help his family.

And when asked how it feels to win the lottery, he replied with simple and powerful words.

“Awesome! That is the first word that comes to mind.”

B.C. residents have been lucky in the jackpot lately, with another resident in the province claiming a $1-million Lotto Max prize from a December draw.

All forms of gambling, including the lottery, involve risk and outcomes are based on chance. Individuals are strongly advised to gamble responsibly. If you are experiencing any signs of gambling-related issues, check out these resources.