Paolo Aquilini departing from Canucks’ ownership group

A little shakeup in the boardroom in Vancouver.

On Friday night, in a statement from the Aqulini Investment Group acquired by Postmedia, it was announced that Paolo Aquilini has resigned from his position as Alternate Governor with the Vancouver Canucks, leaving the team’s ownership group.

The reason behind his departure wasn’t explained. The reveal of Paolo’s decision came as there was some speculation that the Aquilini Group was pondering selling  part of or the majority of the hockey club. However, the organization firmly stated the Canucks aren’t for sale.

“In response to various media inquiries that we have received and due to a private family matter, Paolo has resigned from his positions with the team and will be leaving the ownership group,” the statement read. “The remaining owners take their role as stewards of this community asset with deep responsibility and pride, and remain fully committed to bringing the Cup to Vancouver. This team holds great meaning for the family and is not for sale. There will be no further comments.”

The stir of the Canucks being on the market arose after former NHLer Nick Kypreos wrote in a column for the Toronto Star that the Aquilini family might be “contemplating selling part or the majority of the Canucks.”

The Aqulini Investment Group is made up of father Luigi Aqulini, as well as his three sons – Francesco, Roberto and Paolo. The group purchased half the shares of the Canucks in 2004 before buying out the remaining shares from then-co-owner John McCaw Jr. in 2006. The Aqulini group owns the team, Rogers Arena, and the Canucks’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Abbotsford Canucks. They also own and operate the Vancouver Warriors of the National Lacrosse League.

Francesco has been the “face” owner of the Canucks, serving as Chairman and Governor for the team, making the primary decisions in hiring management, both on the hockey and business sides of the franchise.

Paolo’s role might not be as front-facing as his brother, but he was still a notable member in the stewardship of the team. Aqulini was the former president of the Canucks for Kids Fund and co-founder of the Canucks Autism Network.