Kevin Bieksa will be a member of the Vancouver Canucks for one more day as he’ll be honored on Thursday prior to the game against the Anaheim Ducks. The defenseman played during his NHL career both for the Ducks and the Canucks, but says he feels honored to be a member of the Canucks just for one more day so he can retire in that jersey.
He took part in the team’s morning skate and noted that he had to bring himself back down to earth because he felt like he was getting mentally in the zone, even though he hadn’t played in years. Making sure he took time to enjoy the experience — he brought his son Cole with him to experience the day — he noted specifically how much he remembered being in the zone for practice and warmups.
It was that kind of message he wanted to send to the current version of the team when he was offered the opportunity to speak prior to them skating today.
As the caption on the social media post said, “Once a leader, always a leader.” Bieksa’s speech was meant as a reminder to the current roster that they were responsible for creating the right environment and culture in that room and with this team. He said it was the thing he was most proud of, the culture he created with the Sedins, Ryan Kesler, and Roberto Luongo, among others. They knew what their jobs were and they did it to the best of their ability, getting out on the ice or into the gym early and often based on what their role was with the team.
You could see the players absorbing every word and it was a timely message considering the state of the current Canucks’ team. They need more wins and that starts with a belief and work ethic that is unmatched. It is up to this team to dig themselves out of an early hole and grinding is the only way to get there.
Watch the video and the speech. It will give you goosebumps because it’s exactly what this club needed to hear. There was nothing cheesy or overly emotional being said. It was just a clear message from a calm leader who looks like he’s got the stuff to be an NHL coach one day.
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