Vancouver Canucks owner Francesco Aquilini’s message to season ticket holders and fans

I’m writing to thank you for your support during what has been an incredibly strange, difficult year for everyone. And to explain why I’m confident you’ll see a much better Canucks team next season, and beyond.

Every one of us has been impacted by the pandemic. I hope you have found the strength that our players, and our staff behind the scenes, have shown to perservere through this incredibly challenging time.

I’m disappointed by our 2021 record, of course. We’ve spent considerable time reviewing the team and the business. Many factors were beyond our control. We have much work to do on those things we can control, with an eye to next year and beyond. As owners, we remain committed to providing Jim and his management team with the full resources they need to take the Canucks to the next level.

I remain very confident about our future. We have one of the most promising group of young players in the league. Horvat, Pettersson, Hughes, Boeser, Demko, Miller — Jim, Travis, and I all believe in this core group. We have youthful talent pushing for their opportunity to contribute to the team. Höglander and Rathbone looked right at home in a Canucks uniform, and we can’t wait to see Podkolzin.

I’m delighted that Travis has agreed to a new contract. He’s become a better coach each year he’s been here. We’ll have a high draft pick in July. We’ll look to strengthen the team through free agency and trades. We’ll have real competition for roster spots at training camp in September. We’re moving our AHL team to Abbotsford, which will benefit us, and the Fraser Valley, in many ways.

In short, the future is bright. I know I’ve been saying that for a whole now, but progress doesn’t always follow a straight line. Believe me. I’m as impatient as you are to see the Canucks return to top-tier status. Yes. it’s been a long time. But the darkest hour is just before dawn.

Please get vaccinated as as you can so that we can be together again at Rogers Arena in the fall. One thing we learned this year is how much our players rely on your enthusiasm — empty rinks just aren’t the same.

Our players know that the Cancuks represent Vancouver, the Lower Mainland, and the province. So does our management group and the Aquilini family. We’re all working hard to repay your loyalty, and we’re grateful for your ongoing passion and support.