For the second consecutive year, the Vancouver Canucks Development Camp took place this past week at Shawnigan Lake High School. What is it about this area, and the island, that keeps the Canucks coming back?
Goalie prospect Michael Garteig, who was born in Prince George, smiles when asked this question, “My grandparents live in Nanaimo, my uncle lives in Comox. I’ve been on the island tons, I played in Powell River in the BCHL, and Penticton. I spent a lot of my childhood on the island to be honest, so it’s exciting for me to be back here. “
Shawnigan Lake is a small community, certainly smaller than Vancouver. Many of these players, some of whom are expected to earn spots on the Canucks roster this season, believe that Shawnigan Lake provides some of the best training grounds they could ask for. “It’s nice because we’re essentially all together, which is primarily why they bring us here. We’re on a campus, so we learn to stick together,” Gartieg explained. “We really get to know each other.”
Brock Boeser, who was drafted by the Canucks in 2015, echoed this sentiment, “I like how remote it is, compared to a larger city. It makes it easier to build friendships and it’s great for team building.”
Boeser also praised the Shawnigan Lake High School campus, which the Canucks have called home for the last week, “It’s got everything. The rink, dorms, dining hall. It’s all here for us. And it’s just a really nice area.”
Of course the locals, many whom travel down from various parts of the island to see the future stars of the NHL, make the team feel very welcome. “The local community has been great. They come out constantly and show their pride,” said Boeser, who took time to sign several autographs and pose with fans of all ages.
The 30+ players who attended the development camp trained at Shawnigan for several days, with the public coming down every day to watch them perform drills and scrimmages on the ice. Even the top brass, from President of Hockey Operations (and Canucks legend) Trevor Linden to Canucks head coach Willie Desjardins were on site, constantly watching the players’ progress.
Will the Canucks make the trip back to Vancouver Island again next summer? It’s too early to tell yet, but it is very clear that the organization truly appreciates the location. They could set up camp anywhere in BC, yet they’ve chosen Shawnigan Lake two years in a row.
Let’s hope for three!
