Kevin Bieksa gives a heartfelt pledge that is important to hear. You can buy the t-shirt he’s wearing through the Canucks stores with proceeds going to the Canucks For Kids Fund.

Mind Check also honours Rick Rypien’s memory. He fought so hard through his own depression and wanted to help others by telling his story. Sadly, he never got the chance but this is a wonderful legacy that will help others and the Canucks will be able to tell Rick’s story through the website. As one of the biggest fans of Rick Rypien around and as someone with loved ones that battle metal illness this is something near and dear to my heart. Often you’re told that being a Canucks fan must be hard. No Cups to cheer about and horrific playoff disappointment. But you know what? I couldn’t be prouder being a Canucks fan because of the incredible work they do day in and day out in the community. Haters to the left!

Bull is in trouble. During a summer trip to Spain for sightseeing and much needed Siesta time to rest his hip and recover from the grueling Stanley Cup Finals, he is mistaken for a bull from the famous Run of the Bulls. He is chased through the cobblestoned Spanish streets, yelled at, poked at, and just barely avoids the rocks that are thrown at his lanky bull frame. What is he to do? He is a HOCKEY playing bull. Can’t they see that? He is a VANCOUVER CANUCKS bull! Breathless, he turns off in an alley and manages to evade the bloodthirsty crowd. They’re worse than Boston fans, Bull thinks to himself. Suddenly, an idea comes to him in a flash, like a Sami Salo slap shot. If he conceals himself in the red tablecloth that sits on top of a nearby cafe table, the townspeople will never notice he’s a bull! Bulls are supposed to be terrified of the colour red. Bull wraps himself head to toe in the conveniently large tablecloth and nonchalantly steps back into the chaotic city street.

Just then, he runs head long into a Hockey Canada official. Oh no! With his concealed face, the Hockey Canada official can’t see his uniquely American bull features. The Hockey Canada official thinks Bull must be a Canadian hockey bull.

“Come with me!” says the Hockey Canada official, throwing his moose hat into the air, and uncorking his bottle of maple syrup. “You’re supposed to be on the ice with Logan “The Beaver” Couture right now.” Bull almost physically recoils when he sees these Canadian patriotic symbols. But he stops himself just in time. His Michigan, USA heart squeezes painfully at the thought of pretending to be from Canada but he knows this is the best way to escape the mean for a Bull Spanish streets.

Bull follows the Hockey Canada official, quietly stepping so his hooves don’t betray his virile bull-ness. All he has to do is make into the Hockey Canada training building and everything will come up horns. They waltz down the long street, until Bull can see the bright red giant maple leaf blowing in the wind above the largest building on the street. He walks in behind the Hockey Canada official. The heavy door clicks shut and Bull no longer hears the chants of “Kill the bulls!”. He sees all of team Canada lined up in front of the benches. They are looking at him suspiciously. He doesn’t want to be stuck here too long and get assimilated to the silly Canadian customs. Bull takes a deep breath, and gathers his courage. In one smooth motion, he flips off the red tablecloth and stands completely NUDE. His giant American Flag tattoo sparkles red, white and blue under the bright lights. All of team Canada GASPS in horror! He’s an AMERICAN! Bull salutes the Hockey Canada official that got him here safely, turns on a hoof, and runs across the room. He leaps through the open window, crosses the courtyard. and hops the fence landing in the handily placed right next door Hockey USA compound.

Bull is safe at last! He’s safe to live and play hockey with his own countrybulls. Free to love apple pie, the most giant of fast food sizes, and the home of the brave. Bull lives happily ever after.

Also, Iain Macintyre has a really wonderful article about Rypien and Bieksa’s friendship in the Vancouver Sun. If you didn’t think Bieksa was completely awesome already, well, you will now. I’m so looking forward to going to the game tomorrow night but I’m packing a bunch of tissues.

Being studious on a random bench at Langara 

Here we have the typical Canucks fan!

First up is breakfast! A well balanced start to the day is very important.

Once the Canucks fan is finished eating it’s time for vigorous exercise.

Lunges and squats and proper cardio is ESSENTIAL so the Canucks fan is fit and limber for lifting cop cars and lighting things on fire.

Next up is a refreshing dip in the pool for diving practice!

Once the Canucks fan has completed their exercise routine it’s craft time. Presently the Canucks fan is working on making a tin foil hat and a Brad Marchand voodoo doll.

Once craft time is done the Canucks fan is usually in the mood for journal writing and meditation. Journalling topics may include:

Zdeno Chara has fat thighs.

Just how boring IS Jonathan Toews?

Mark Messier should be the super villain in the new Spiderman movie. Yes/Yes.

10 ways Trevor Linden rawks

Sounds more annoying than Chelsea Dagger. (info not found)

Will a beach ball play ahead of Keith Ballard in the depth chart?

After the engaging journal writing the Canucks fan likes to cry. A lot. It’s sad business being a Canucks fan. No friends except their own kind, loneliness. playoff emptiness, and so on.

When the Canucks fan’s tear ducts are empty they cheer up by going on a road trip to IKEA! There’s always a chance of seeing a Swedish Canuck and a Canucks fan enjoys affordable furniture very much.

Once their new Swedish craft table and matching chair is built, the Canucks fan takes their dog for a walk. It’s a beautiful walk when they can steal candy from a tiny child. Evil deeds keep the Canucks fan’s blood pumping!

It’s been a full day now for the Canucks fan and they are ready to sleep.

I hope this expose into the life of a Canucks fan was helpful to you. Remember when approaching a Canucks fan in the wild, walk up to them slowly so they are not startled. They can be subdued by waving a white towel and a picture of Ryan Kesler’s abs. Be wary of getting too close they may charge if you’re wearing red and black or gold.

- This is such a beautiful image from the Georgia Straight. It’s so heartbreaking and hopeful at the same time.

- From CTV Toronto, If you would like to make donations in memory of Rick Rypien they can be given to:

Kids’ Sport Alberta

“Crowsnest Pass Branch”

Box 415, Blairmore, AB

T0K 030.

I wanted to pass that along for anyone that was interested.