Bernie’s Bits – August 2026
By Bernie Pascall
Members of the Vancouver Canucks Alumni have shared in many significant hockey championships over the years, including the coveted Memorial Cup, awarded annually to the Canadian Junior Hockey Champions.
Since the tournament began its current round-robin format in 1972, two members of the Canucks Alumni continue to share an elite spot in “all-time tournament points”. Stan Smyl and Mark Lofthouse, teammates with the New Westminster Bruins, won two Memorial Cups. Nearly 50 years later, Smyl and Lofthouse, they are tied for second in all-time points with 20.
Richard Brodeur and Blair MacDonald were Memorial Cup champions with Cornwall in 1972. Richard was the recipient of the Most Valuable Player award. He also led the NHL Canucks to their first-ever Stanley Cup final in 1982 and shared in a WHA Avco Cup with the Quebec Nordiques.
While hockey and the respective achievements were a significant part of Brodeur’s career, artistic painting was one of his passions. It was basically a secret interest while he played at the professional level. Because of peer pressure, especially in the 1970’s and 80’s, painting didn’t really fit the masculinity of an NHL locker room. Richard decided to keep his painting interest private. In retirement, much of his focus is on utilizing acrylics, watercolours and his exceptional artistic talent in creating unique, desirable and coveted paintings. Subjects include hockey memories as a youngster, beautiful BC scenery, and abstract contemporary painting of people and landscapes.
Gallery35, a reflection of Brodeur’s number as a goalie in the NHL, features his excellent artistry. The Gallery is located at 129 Alberni Highway in Parksville, British Columbia. Richard welcomes all visitors.
******
Rick Lanz, a former first-round draft pick of the Canucks and a seven-year member of the team including the 1982 Stanley Cup finalists, has returned to coaching. Lanz has an extensive coaching career in the BCHL and WHL. Rick won a Canadian championship with Burnaby Express
in 2006.
He is now the head coach of the Delta Ice Hawks who will play in the new BCHC (BC Hockey Conference) comprised of 11 Junior “A” hockey teams.
******
Valter Sedin, the son of Canucks Co-President of Hockey Operations, Henrik Sedin and wife Johanna, is a member of Canada’s Soccer U20’s roster for the Olympic trials and the Maurice Revello tournament in France. Valter scored his first international goal for Canada on Saturday, August 1, 2026, in Puebla, Mexico. It helped Canada gain a 2-2 draw against Jamaica. Valter also played for the Vancouver Whitecaps FC pre-academy and the Swedish Club Hammarby U19’s before joining Canada’s U20’s. On August 20, 2026, Valter signed a new, two-year pro contract with Whitecaps FC 2 (WFC2). His proud Dad, Henrik, scored his first NHL goal 26 years ago in October 2000.
Family, hockey, soccer and community remain important interests when it comes to members of the Vancouver Canucks Alumni.