Best Practices

Synopsis

Players consider the Vancouver Canucks to be one of the best teams to play for in the NHL. By creating a player-friendly environment, Vancouver GM Mike Gillis had been able to acquire top-tier talent at less than market value. In Best Practices, sportswriter Bruce Dowbiggin explains how owners and management have teamed up to make the Canucks one of the most desirable locations in the NHL, and how that player-first attitude has led to success on the ice.
     From their new, state-of-the-art dressing room, personal nutritionists, skills experts, sleep specialists, and world-class medical team, Gillis has hired the best team of off-ice personnel in the league. As well, a team-first philosophy, focused on community involvement and mutual respect for everyone on the team, has made the Canucks one of the most welcoming teams in the league. Gillis's focus on the minutiae, the small details that make for happy players, has led to on-ice success and caused other teams to take notice and adopt some of the Canuck's philosophy as their own.
     With consecutive President Trophy wins, a Stanley Cup final appearance, and some of the league's biggest talent, the Canucks Way has proven to be a philosophy that will continue to bring success to the Canucks for years to come.