If you needed further proof that Kobe Bryant truly transcended the game of basketball, you got it in Vancouver on Monday night.
Other than playing a few games against the Vancouver Grizzlies early on in his career, Bryant didn’t have much of a connection to this Canadian west coast city. And yet, the Canucks honoured Bryant during a stoppage in play during the first period of their game against the St. Louis Blues, putting his picture on the big screen.
Fans applauded and players tapped their sticks on the ice to salute Kobe, who died tragically in a helicopter accident on Sunday.
Sportsnet
Players and fans at tonight's #stlblues–#Canucks game paid tribute to Kobe Bryant, who Jordan Binnington called "such a special human and athlete."
TV: FSMW | Stream: FSGO pic.twitter.com/2WE2BLYtGQ— FOX Sports Midwest (@FSMidwest) January 28, 2020
Very classy of the Canucks to honour Kobe. RIP Kobe pic.twitter.com/QUR3G0NCT0
— Joshua (@rjoshua28) January 28, 2020
#Canucks with a short yet classy tribute to the late Kobe Bryant. pic.twitter.com/HIqiOFvXF6
— Clay Imoo (@CanuckClay) January 28, 2020
Repping #Kobe at the #canucks game. I had to show love for the goat! pic.twitter.com/nAWXclyHFm
— John Martin (@jjm4x) January 28, 2020
Kobe gets a standing ovation at the Canucks game! pic.twitter.com/KotHDHKTZ7
— organizedsports.wav (@FederalDust) January 28, 2020
Prior to the game, anthem singer Karen Lee Batten stepped onto the ice wearing a #24 Kobe Lakers jersey.
Kobe tribute from #Canucks anthem singer Karen Lee Batten pic.twitter.com/gFfsc5pRLL
— Rob Williams (@RobTheHockeyGuy) January 28, 2020
The whole arena at the @StLouisBlues and @Canucks just shouted out “KOBE” ❤️ @kobebryant pic.twitter.com/iGOB3IkvgG
— Amber.S (@AmberSpidell) January 28, 2020
Outside the arena, BC Place shined purple and gold — Lakers colours. Rogers Arena was also spotted shining purple and gold lights earlier this evening.
Kylee McCrae / Daily Hive
Rob Williams / Daily Hive
Vancouver isn’t an NBA city anymore, but BC Place and Rogers Arena are lit up in Lakers colours tonight.#Canucks will hold a tribute to Kobe Bryant during the first intermission of Monday night’s game vs. St. Louis, I’m told. pic.twitter.com/kjtGwNvLUp
— Thomas Drance (@ThomasDrance) January 28, 2020
Outside of @RogersArena lit purple and yellow tonight in tribute to Kobe Bryant, and all the lives lost in Sunday's tragedy. đź’śđź’› pic.twitter.com/kehYKrbvVY
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) January 28, 2020
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