Canuck Country Rocks 2025 Strikes a Chord for Accessibility and Inclusion
By Nicole Favero
Canuck Country Rocks 2025 brought country music and hockey fans together for two nights filled with excitement and generosity. The event spotlighted the province’s proud hockey heritage and the vibrant pulse of Canada’s country music scene, all while supporting the impactful work of the Rick Hansen Foundation. Once again, the Vancouver Canucks Alumni were a proud partner in this annual event.
Festivities kicked off on October 1 with the Canuck Country Rocks Cup - a friendly hockey game that united Vancouver Canucks Alumni, country music artists, sponsors and community partners.
The next night, the celebration moved to The Mansion Nightclub for an intimate evening of music and charitable giving. Canadian Country stars Hailey Benedict, Jason Blaine, Morgan Griffiths and Aaron Pritchett delivered energetic and engaging performances on stage.
It began with a VIP reception hosted by Karma Lounge, where attendees mingled with artists and Canucks Alumni before the main event, wrapping up with an electrifying official after-party. Adding to the excitement was a live auction and Fund-a-Need, led with enthusiasm by auctioneer Fred Lee. Guests bid generously on exclusive experiences, raising funds in support of accessibility initiatives. Guiding the night’s festivities were hosts Al Murdoch and JoJo Mason.
Alumni in attendance included Dave Tomlinson, Gary Nylund, Garry Valk, Dean Moore, Corey Hirsch, Glen Hanlon, Kirk McLean, Rob Wilkins, Larry Melnyk, Bryan Richardson, Greg Mueller and Robin Wyss.
Beyond the excitement of hockey and live music, Canuck Country Rocks 2025 was rooted in giving back. As well as part of the proceeds going to the Vancouver Canucks Alumni Foundation, raised funds supported the Rick Hansen Foundation, promoting their vision of a world without barriers for individuals living with disabilities. In partnership with the Canucks Alumni Foundation, these donations will help build accessibility and inclusion across communities throughout British Columbia.
The event’s success was thanks to the dedication of sponsors, volunteers, Alumni and fans. Each year, Canuck Country Rocks grows not just as a celebration of sport and song, but as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when communities unite for a common cause.