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On April 30th, 1994 Kirk McLean made a save that is arguably the single most memorable one in the Vancouver Canucks franchise history, saving the team from being eliminated in the run up to the Stanley Cup finals, where they nearly clinched the cup in a 7 game final series. For the 20th anniversary of “The Save” we decided it was time to honour McLean with the award of the Most Awesome Canucks Goalie of All Time. We asked the CBC's Grant Lawrence - author of the recent bestselling hockey book, “The Lonely End of the Rink” - about the roll McLean has played in the history of our beloved local team, and here's what he had to say: “Before Kirk McLean, it could be argued that the Canucks never had long lasting stability in net. When McLean came in to officially replace the beloved but aging Richard Brodeur, it felt like a new slab of concrete foundation had been poured into the House of Canuck. With the steady Scot in net, visible confidence began to ripple through the entire team. It all climaxed in the spring of 1994, but Kirk McLean was a very good goaltender before and after than magical year. Besides being an elite athlete on the ice, off the ice Captain Kirk was always a wonderful, even-keeled, and calm ambassador for the Canucks. He's one of the team's all-time top ten greats.” - Grant Lawrence |
Photo: Christine McAvoy
2014 Most Awesome Awards - Readers Choice
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Nominated by the readers of VancouverIsAwesome.com. Click the links in each slide to learn more about the winners!
Most Awesome Building Manager
By Vancouver Is Awesome
John Davis!
Most Awesome Teenager
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Tomas Lang!
Most Awesome Amateur Sports League
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Terminal City Roller Girls!
Most Awesome Sharing Advocate
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Joni McKervey!
Most Awesome Good Will Ambassador
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Bif Naked!
Most Awesome Graphic Design Advocates
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Ross Milne and Grace Partridge!
Most Awesome Doctor
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Doctor Julio Montaner!
Most Awesome Charitable Entrepreneur
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Ken Lyotier of United We Can!
Most Awesome Sports Fans
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Vancouver Whitecaps FC supporters!
Most Awesome Librarian
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Sheila Mclean!
Most Awesome Free Thing
By Vancouver Is Awesome
The Vancouver Public Library!
Most Awesome Walking Bridge
By Vancouver Is Awesome
The one in East Van featured in The Raymur Mothers!
Most Awesome Place to Regain Faith in Humanity
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Sol Convenience Store!
Most Awesome Public Park
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Stanley Park!
Most Awesome Knitters
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Knit Social!
Most Awesome TV Show
By Vancouver Is Awesome
My Little Pony - Friendship is Magic!
Most Awesome Soup
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Peaceful Noodle's Spicy Tangy Dumpling Soup!
Most Awesome FREE Music Event Series
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Playground.is!
Most Awesome Ocean Conservation Program
By Vancouver Is Awesome
The Vancouver Aquarium's Ocean Wise!
Most Awesome Local Food Advocate
By Vancouver Is Awesome
Chad Brealey from Salt, Fresh & Field!
Most Awesome Animal Rights Organization
By Vancouver Is Awesome
The BC SPCA's Vancouver branch!
Most Awesome Kitchen Rescue Organization
By Vancouver Is Awesome
VOKRA!
