Playoff beards and other things that change.

It was exactly one year ago tonight.  Max, Chris and myself screamed and yelled at the TV as we watched our beloved and sometimes ‘behated’ Canucks eliminated in the Stanley Cup Playoffs by the Chicago Blackhawks.

I told the boys that sick feeling they had in their guts was their graduation in becoming a true long-term Canucks fan.

I was in Grade 12 for the ’82 ride to the cup finals vs the ___________ (if you said New York Islanders you are correct)… and I went to Game 6 live with my good friend Mark Funk in ’94 that forced the famous Game 7 back in New York against the Rangers to battle for the NHL’s top honour.

Fast forward to 2009 and 2010.  Nothing changed for the Canucks in these playoffs.  Luongo had issues.  The defence was hurt and a better Chicago team dominated when needed.  For us of course, everything has changed.  There was no Chris in the room tonight.

This is just one of countless things that we continue to go through and it’s just part of the process…oh how I hate that word.  Earlier in the playoffs I actually thought about how I would feel if the Canucks made a long run this year and Chris wouldn’t be here to share in the victory after decades of loss.  Perhaps thankfully, we don’t have to cross that bridge this year?  I have very mixed feelings about that.

There were other changes as well.  Max grew a playoff beard.  The pictoral evidence is included here.  He also shaved it off tonight.  Another first…but as a Canuck fan son, it probably won’t be the last time you shave your beard off in April or May as opposed to June.

That being said, I’m mighty proud of the beard you grew Max.  That is a change that I’m very proud to see.  Nice work…and don’t forget the shaving balm after you’re done.