The Vancouver Canucks celebrated their second annual Firefighter Night honouring fire fighters across the region.
In 2023, the Vancouver Canucks launched their first Firefighters Night to recognize the courage and commitment of fire fighters in keeping communities safe. Canucks Captain Quinn Hughes also launched TEAM 43, a ticket donation program bringing local fire fighters to home games. The initiative honors his grandfather, Marty Hughes, a retired New York City fire fighter and battalion chief with a 31-year career.
British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association and British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Burn Fund President Todd Schierling praised Hughes for his leadership both on and off the ice.
“Having met Quinn a couple of times now and listening to his dad speak, I am sure many of the lessons Quinn learned from his grandfather apply to his leadership role with the Canucks. Quinn is a tremendous young captain who has earned a great deal of respect from our professional fire fighters across British Columbia and the Yukon,” said Schierling.
Quinn is a tremendous young captain who has earned a great deal of respect from our professional fire fighters across British Columbia and the Yukon.
British Columbia Professional Fire Fighters Association President Todd Schierling
This season marks the second year that Hughes, who was recently awarded the 2023-2024 Norris Trophy, has led Team 43 and the second consecutive year that the Canucks have held Firefighter Night.
“It’s a very special night,” said Hughes. “We have 124 fire fighters and first responders coming tonight. The Canucks not only do a great job with this night, but also the community and that’s what makes it special to play in Vancouver.”
Whistler Fire Rescue Service Fire Chief Thomas Doherty presented Hughes with a custom-painted fire helmet, a gift from Kelowna, BC Local 953, Whistler Fire Rescue Services and Whistler, BC Local 3944. Doherty, who has a passion for painting helmets as a hobby, was asked to create the special design in honour of Hughes and his Team 43 initiative. The helmet features a fire theme along with old skate logos. Doherty, who had hoped to present the helmet before the playoffs, decided to wait until this season to avoid “jinxing” the team.
“It was great to see the response from all the members, the public, and especially Quinn,” said Doherty.
