Former Vancouver Canucks captain Bo Horvat received a significant honour today as the West Lorne Arena in his hometown was officially renamed the Bo Horvat Community Centre. The event, attended by Horvat and his family, marked a special milestone in the long-time Canucks forward’s career.
Drafted ninth overall by the Canucks in 2013, Horvat spent the first nine seasons of his NHL career in Vancouver. Known for his leadership and dedication, he served as the team’s captain from 2019 until his departure in 2023. During his time with the Canucks, Horvat played 621 games, tallying 201 goals and 420 points, along with 10 goals in 17 playoff appearances.
The decision to rename the arena after Horvat underscores the impact he left in his community both on and off the ice. “Today was a special day for Bo Horvat — having his hometown arena named after him,” shared HH Balloons, a local event planning business, on Instagram, highlighting the significance of the occasion.
Horvat expressed his gratitude and disbelief at the honour. “Honestly, I couldn’t believe it,” Horvat said. “You like to think that you can play in the NHL, that’s your main goal. Never in a million years did I think I was going to get an arena named after me. When I heard that, there was a bunch of emotions.”
After being drafted by the Canucks in 2013, he quickly became a fan favourite in Vancouver, known for his strong work ethic and leadership qualities. His tenure as captain was characterized by his commitment to the team and ability to perform in clutch moments.
However, Horvat’s time with the Canucks came to an end in the 2022-23 season when the team made the difficult decision to trade him to the New York Islanders. The blockbuster deal saw the Canucks acquire forward Anthony Beauvillier, prospect Aatu Räty, and a conditional first-round pick in 2023. Despite leaving Vancouver, Horvat’s time with the Canucks continues to be remembered by the team’s fanbase.