Local Hockey Talent in British Columbia
In a unique twist in sports, a cohort of 11 hockey talents has the extraordinary opportunity to compete for teams rooted in their birthplace—British Columbia. The Vancouver Canucks, Abbotsford Canucks, and the newly formed PWHL Vancouver have all tapped into local talent, showcasing players who hail directly from the province.
Vancouver Canucks Roster Highlights
The Vancouver Canucks roster features notable names like Arshdeep Bains and Evander Kane. Bains, originating from Surrey, was an unexpected standout with a stunning 112-point season at Red Deer Rebels in 2021-22, which prompted the Canucks to sign him as a free agent. He made his NHL debut on February 20, 2024, against the Colorado Avalanche and secured a permanent spot on the NHL roster for the 2024-25 season, contributing significantly to Abbotsford’s Calder Cup win. Vancouver-born Kane brings seasoned experience with nearly 1000 NHL appearances, having a storied career spanning teams like the Winnipeg Jets and San Jose Sharks before joining his hometown Canucks after a trade from the Edmonton Oilers.
Abbotsford Canucks Rising Stars
On the Abbotsford Canucks side, several players are carving out their paths. Duncan’s Ben Berard is in his second season with Abbotsford, having previously played in the ECHL and NCAA. Since joining Abbotsford, he has accumulated two goals and two assists over eight games. Surrey’s Jujhar Khaira also played a crucial role in the Calder Cup success, showcasing his skills after a trade brought him to Abbotsford in March 2025. Meanwhile, North Vancouver’s Jayden Lee joins Abbotsford with a notable college background, making his professional debut this October after five seasons at Quinnipiac University.
Kamloops native Sawyer Mynio, drafted in the 2023 NHL Draft, is gearing up for his first pro season, earlier excelling as the captain for the Seattle Thunderbirds. His transition to the AHL Canucks is well noted, currently contributing with two goals and an assist in his early games.
PWHL Vancouver and Women’s Hockey
Transitioning to women’s hockey, the PWHL Vancouver showcases talents like Chanreet Bassi from Kelowna, who was among the first players selected in the league’s inaugural draft, as well as Nina Jobst-Smith and Hannah Miller, both aiming for a roster spot. Bassi, notable for her performance with UBC Thunderbirds, finds herself at the forefront as training camp approaches.
Kimberly Newell, hailing from Nelson, is making headlines for returning from retirement to compete for the goaltending position. Having represented China at the Beijing Olympics, she aims to secure her place in PWHL Vancouver.
Engagement and Coverage
With the season on the horizon, fans are encouraged to stay engaged with the progress of these local athletes, while the Vancouver Canucks’ official site continues to provide comprehensive coverage on team activities, interviews, and more.
