But for a few Bruin faithful, there was no joy in Trail or anywhere else in B.C. last night after the mighty Canucks quest for the Cup was unceremoniously quashed by the Boston Bruins.
Filled with hope and expectation, about 250 hockey fans piled into the Royal Theatre last night to watch the Stanley Cup final. The game was not a classic by any stretch, but the Bruins did what they had to do to win – score a couple of goals then ride Conn Smythe winner Tim Thomas to a 3-0 finish.
“Boston deserved to win,” said Trail’s John D’Arcangelo, a Montreal fan. “I think the third goal, especially being shorthanded, finished (Vancouver).”
That was the final punch in the stomach for Canucks fans at the Royal, who seemed to lose their collective wind after the goal by Patrice Bergeron.
But the event, organized by theatre owners Jason and Lisa Milne, proved to be a big success. Fans were asked for a $5 donation to raise money for the Trail Firefighters Burn Fund.
In games five and six the theatre raised about $1,300 so Lisa Milne was expecting even more for game seven.
“It’ll be great for them (the Burn Fund), it’s a really good cause – the guys put their life on the line everyday so it’s something I’m passionate about too,” said Lisa Milne.
Despite the outcome of the game, the Royal proved a perfect venue with the massive screen, fantastic sound system, great food and pizza, refreshments and licensed beverages made it an enjoyable event for the whole family.
Lisa is a stalwart Canucks’ fan but even she was doubtful before the game started.
“I’m a Vancouver girl, I grew up going to the games, I love the Canucks, but I really think it’s going to be tough.”
As the crowd slowly filed from the theatre, there was no yelling or rioting, only disappointment but it was soon displaced by a flicker of something only a Canuck fan could still have - hope.
“Vancouver had a great season,” D’Arcangelo said after the game. “Hopefully we’ll be back again next year.”
