It’s been almost two decades in the making, and Thursday night marked the last time Daniel and Henrik Sedin would step onto the ice at Rogers Arena as NHL players. For 17 seasons the Sedins represented the best of the Canucks on and off the ice, for every award and accolade they pilled up, they all paled in comparison to their contributions to the community. Their donations, their charity work and their leadership as role models are unparalleled.

After Brian Burke’s draft day dramatics, the Twins stepped into the NHL as good but not great players. With their lofty draft status combined with their uniqueness as twin brothers, the pressure and criticisms were vicious early on.

But Daniel and Henrik persevered, overcame, and excelled. Ushering in the most successful and prolific era in Canucks history, re-writing the record books along the way.

Being in the building for countless playoff games, including game seven in 2011; being there when Jarome Iginla dragged the Flames back on the ice to shake Trevor Linden’s hand — nothing was like Thursday night.

It’s easy to get jaded covering a team and forget why you got into this, the love of the game, and this team. Thursday was all about the love, the emotion in the building was palpable before the puck ever dropped. It was Canucks Nation’s final goodbye to the best players in franchise history.

The cheers and celebrations began in the warm-up, the building was packed well in advance of puck drop in anticipation of the big night.

The party really kicked into high gear, with a moment so vintage Sedin, and so perfect you’d think it was scripted by Steven Spielberg. 33 seconds into the second period, Henrik Sedin picked up an assist on brother Daniel’s 22nd goal of the year. Are you freaking kidding? The goal was reminiscent of something we’d see from Twins in their prime, as Henrik danced inside the blue line, passing to Alex Edler who completed the tic-tac-toe play to Daniel back door.

The building, and I’m sure all of you at home, erupted in a raucous celebration. Meet with laughs and shakes of the head when Daniel’s 22nd goal at 33 seconds was officially announced.

Tonight was special for all involved. Obviously, Daniel and Henrik were the centres of attention, and the fans showered them with standing ovations throughout the night. But it was also apparent how big of a deal this was to their teammates, and Abbotsford boy Jake Virtanen who grew up watching the Twins was all of us in this moment.

Or were we Troy (Stecher) from Richmond? Either way, tonight was special for all involved, and it’s apparent how respected and beloved the Twins are by their teammates.

Down by two headed to the third, the fans kicked things off the right way as the Viking Clap made its way into the building — something Henrik Sedin said post game he’d like to see continue in Vancouver, could be something Rogers Arena becomes known for.

Just over a minute into the final frame, the comeback was on. Jake Virtanen picked up the puck after Bo Horvat won the offensive zone draw and ripped it high glove past Darcy Keumper.

The fans at Rogers Arena refused to give the celebration a second the rest. Chants of “Go Sedins Go”, “Hall of Fame” and “Thank You Sedins” rang out all night. Every chance to give the Twins an ovation was taken, with refs and linesmen routinely taking their time to drop the puck on faceoffs letting Hank and Danny soak it all in.

Then, well then Brendan Leipsic did this. Tieing the game up at three with a highlight Canucks goal of the year candidate, a backhand spin-o-rama. Leipsic and Virtanen’s speed was on display all night as the young Canucks came to life feeding off the infectious energy in the building.

As we headed to overtime, there was only one thing on everyone’s mind. There was only one way this could end right? But fairytales are just that, the stuff of movies isn’t real life. Or is it?

There really aren’t; I sit here writing this at a loss for words. Tonight was an emotional rollercoaster, seventeen years in the making. How it ended was the cherry on top, it may the most emotional sporting moment of my life. One that I’ll never forget and no one watching will forget it either.

The Sedins career at Rogers Arena comes to an end in the most Sedin, storybook, unbelievable ending imaginable. Daniel from Henrik one last time. The second assist to fellow Swede, longtime teammate and good friend Alex Edler for good measure.

The celebration was just getting started as the Canucks bench cleared; the Sedins were absolutely mobbed. Tears of joy poured around the building. Moments like this is what pro sports are all about. That against all odds, unbelievable tension and release that sports provide in such a unique way.

Like the Golden Knights on Tuesday, the Coyotes hung around to shake hands and show their respect to the Sedins. Countrymen Oliver Ekman-Larsson and former teammate Brad Richardson hung around for an extended conversation and a hug for the Twins.

The cheers, the love, the respect showered the ice well past the final buzzer as the Canucks stood at the bench watching their leaders say their goodbye to Canucks fans. Canucks staff and scratched players flooded the bench, Rogers Arena staff gathered at the Zamboni entrance. It was an incredible moment, one befitting the legendary careers these great and unique players deserve.

There was just one star announced in the building tonight; it was shared by 22 and 33 in one final victory lap and goodbye.

 

Following the announcement of their retirement, well wishes from around the NHL came in. With former teammates, competitors and coaches all weighing in. Not everyone gets to go out on their own terms and walk away, earlier this year we saw the legend of Jaromir Jagr come to an end as the Flames decide for him he was done.

Combining for nearly 100 points on the season in a limited role, the Sedins are leaving the game with nothing to prove. It’s on their terms, and it’s been a special week for all involved.

 

Tonight I wanted to give everyone at Canucks Army a chance to say their piece. The last 17 years watching the Sedins has been special for so many in so many ways. Lessons learned, hearts broken, individual and team awards. The Twins re-wrote Canucks history and are part of the fabric of the franchise forever.

Drafted when I was just 10 years old, the Sedin era takes up the majority of my time as a hockey fan. Many of my greatest hockey memories are directly tied to moments that the Sedins were central figures in. I was in the building the night that Henrik donned the jersey with the captain’s ‘C’ for the first time, and any naysayers about their qualifications as leaders at the time have long since been silenced. They lead by example, demonstrating the types of qualities that I would not only look to impart in kids that I coach in minor hockey but in my own kids as well. An example of how to conduct themselves with grace and generosity and selflessness.

“The Sedins bring to mind so many things. There’s the cycle. There’s the trophy. There’s the almost of 2011. There’s the way Brian Burke’s drafting of them in 1999 cake together. There’s the compliments about their personal character that runs through every commentary and observation proffered about them, by colleagues and journalists and friends. 

I thought of the goal that sealed the deal, a marvellous feat of skill by Daniel, off a deft deflected pass by his brother, the kind of play we’d seen so many times before. 

I thought of the replays which showed the joy on the faces of all five players on the ice, of Daniel raising his arms in glowing triumph, of Henrik, watching the goal unfold after making his simple play, then turning to Christian Ehrhoff and exclaiming joy – we don’t know what was said but it doesn’t matter, you can fill it in as best you like and it’s doubtful you’d be wrong – before taking a pair of strides in Ehrhoff’s company to join in his brother in celebration. 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=me3GPkF7m5s

“I feel like I could write 10,000 words about the Sedins and still not cover everything I love about them. They were the best people, leaders, role models, etc. that this city and this team could ever ask for – if people want to talk about vague things like “toughness” or “culture” or “intangibles”, they should be talking about the Sedins, who handled criticism, adversity, success, and everything in between with a professional and admirable attitude. It warms my heart knowing that some of the younger guys like Horvat and Boeser have such wonderful players to emulate as they take up the mantle. The Sedins were so fun to watch and have given me countless amazing memories as a hockey fan. I feel totally spoiled to have grown up cheering for these elite players that are also such wonderful people. I guess I’m glad that they’re leaving on their terms and that we never had to see them play a bad season of hockey, but I’m going to miss watching them cycle the puck like only they can. I hope they have the best time as full-time dads. Also, the tip pass Henrik made before Daniel’s between-the-legs goal against the Flames in 2010 is the best thing any of our eyes will ever see.”

“The Sedins performances on the ice were somehow dwarfed by the way they carried themselves off of it, which is an incredible feat considering the talent they displayed night in and night out on the ice. My favourite Sedin moment has already been mentioned on social media by me, but back in 1999, I had the chance to meet them (at the age of 4). They barely spoke a word of English but they stopped, took a photo and signed some autographs for my brother and I. Those guys have never changed (except they learned some more English). I had a few run-ins with the Sedins through the years and they were always the picture of humility, grace and kindness. They are the perfect players for the market like this, and I cannot wait until the day they go up in the rafters”

My Sedins memory for you…people always talk about “The Shift”…and “The Shift” was amazing, but this little bit of short and sweet Sedinery has it all. Hank with a sick pass, Danny with an insane goal…and Burr riding shotgun…as it should be.

The only part that bothers me is the fact they should’ve had another year to compete for the playoffs by now. One last chance at glory. It sucks they won’t.”

“As I’ve become more invested with my hockey writing, I have been able to gain access to the players, I never could have thought would happen. Entering my first couple of practices, I was nervous to speak to anyone, as they were players that I had watched for years.

So I heard the Sedins were going to be there to sign autographs for the first 500 people (give or take) for the special Sedin issue cover of the game. Me, never having been to a midnight release of a video game before, I didn’t know what to expect. I was blown away by the turnout, I showed up about an hour early and was nowhere close to the first 500, the lineup went on for blocks! So I wait in line and wait my turn to get my hands on EA’s latest version of hockey. I am shocked when I get to the front of the line and see Henrik and Daniel STILL meeting and greeting fans, signing autographs. It was around 2:30 in the morning, I still can’t believe it! That being said, I’m not sure that was my favourite Sedin moment, but maybe one you haven’t heard before.

As for my favourite, call it recency if you must, but I think tonight’s overtime goal takes the cake. I wasn’t at the game, but at home, you could feel the love of Vancouver Canucks fans through the speakers. The energy was electric, it was amazing! Canucks fans, we’ve been so lucky since the 2000-01 season, when the brothers arrived. What a pleasure it’s been to watch them develop as players and persevere through sometimes, unfair adversity on the ice. However, far outweighing their on-ice accomplishments, are their contributions off the ice. The Sedins have and will continue to inspire a generation of Canucks fans to be better people. Daniel, Henrik, you guys have been perfect role models and ambassadors for the city of Vancouver for so long.

It’ll be a long time before we say goodbye to Henrik and Daniel — this is a see you later. They’ve made it clear Vancouver is home for them, it’s where there kids and families were born and I have a feeling we’ll be seeing them well beyond Saturday’s season finale in Edmonton.

You don’t replace players and people like the Sedin’s, but you hope the next generation can strive to emulate them on and off the ice. If even a handful of the Canucks future can strive to be the players and people Hank and Danny are, this team will be in very good hands.

To say tonight was bittersweet seems like an understatement. It was a once in a lifetime celebration of the most unique sporting duo the hockey world has ever been blessed with. The script was right out of Hollywood and played out to perfection, it was the absolute perfect way to see them off.

But this team and city will miss having the Sedins in the spotlight, both on and off the ice. They’re the undeniable leaders of the franchise, they stand in an answer the tough questions night in and night out. There have been many the last few years, most of which have nothing to do with them, but never the less it’s Henrik front and centre in the locker room after every game facing the music.

Off the ice, Daniel and Henrik are leaders in the community. Their donations to Children’s Hospital and their work within the community is well documented. For nearly 20 years they’ve set the standard for what it means to be a Canucks, and I for one could not be prouder of the example they set for the city as professionals and human beings. As the parent of a young Canucks fan, I wish he could grow up watching them for reasons as much off the ice as on it. We could all learn a thing or two from the grace and class the Sedins carried themselves with throughout their career. In a world full of bleak and distressing news, and sports world full of negative stories about millionaire athletes breaking the law, the Sedins are the very best of us. Humble, compassionate, generous and a constitution for the ages. Through years of being called sisters, being booed relentlessly, they never complained. They never cracked, they did their job with dignity and with a work ethic that legends are made of.

Congratulations on an incredible career Henrik and Daniel, you won’t soon fade from anyone’s thoughts. I look forward to seeing your jersey’s in the rafters, and your induction into the Hall of Fame. Thanks for 17 amazing years.

– Jason Hamilton.