Last February, the Canucks were living on the edge of the playoff picture, and went on to win only 4 of 14 games in that span.
“I just don’t think we came out hard enough,” then-alternate captain Bo Horvat said after dropping a 7-2 decision to San Jose. “We tried to let the game come to us instead of taking it to them and it backfired.”
Fortunately, the heavy losses have been fewer and farther between this season. The Canucks have 74 points through 62 games — enough for second in a claustrophobic Pacific Division — giving them a legitimate shot at making the playoffs. But win or lose, there are heavy questions for the locker room and, as newly-minted captain, it is Horvat’s responsibility to field them.
Horvat hasn’t had a taste of the post-season since his rookie year, in which they were eliminated by the Flames in the first round.
Now, he has an opportunity to lead them back to the playoffs.
“It feels good to be back in the fight,” Horvat told media last week. “It's a lot easier coming to the rink and talking to you guys. Obviously the additions we’ve made, the rookie [Quinn Hughes] stepping up, and guys producing have been a huge part of our success.”
It’s already been a year of milestones for the 24-year-old centre and his family. He wed his long-time girlfriend, Holly, this past summer. He was named the 14th captain in franchise history at this season’s home opener.
And in a cute, Canucks-themed Instagram post featuring their French bulldog Gus, the couple announced they are expecting their first child, a boy, in July.
Having a young family is a learning curve in itself, exacerbated by the demanding schedule of a professional athlete. As several players told us, it really puts the game into perspective and can help keep the spirits up through tough stretches in the season.
“The game is so intense and kids can give you that little escape,” said Antoine Roussel. “Like, if we lose a game, the sun comes up [the next day] and we still have to move forward. It gives you that mindset of, you know, you keep moving on.”
“Luckily nowadays, we have FaceTime and stuff like that so we can see the kids when we’re gone,” added Brandon Sutter. “That’s the hardest part of our job, being away from them.”
Between road trips, players soak up the time they have with their families. Sometimes that includes a stop at the rink, where there is no shortage of high-fives to go around.
When asked who has the most fun uncle potential of their teammates, a name that came up a few times was that of Jacob Markstrom.
“I don't want to put a label on who's number one, but he's pretty good with the kids and loves to play with them,” said Jay Beagle. “My kids love him. They love Thatcher and Marky… they gravitate towards the goalies for some reason.”
Three-year-old Teddy Roussel, @NHL draft class of 2034. @Rous_ant pic.twitter.com/6nVKFqkcDB
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) February 15, 2020
Three-year-old Teddy Roussel scoring on Jacob Markstrom and roughing it up with Quinn Hughes.
Chalk it up to being a rare breed, perhaps. But the opportunity to bring their children around an NHL locker room and its players is not taken for granted, and it’s an experience Horvat looks forward to sharing with his son down the road as well.
Asked if he had any parenting advice for the soon-to-be dad, Sutter said with a laugh, “I would tell him to get some sleep now, because it’s not gonna last forever.”
Horvat, of course, isn’t one to shy away from a challenge. He has spoken openly about growing with his new role, all while continuing to push his on-ice abilities. He hit the 20-goal mark with a beauty wrist shot in Montreal on Tuesday, and has found some consistency in left winger Tanner Pearson.
Excluding Henrik and Daniel pre-retirement, the Canucks have had a pretty steady leadership group over the past few seasons. “It’s made my job a lot easier,” Horvat said, thankful for a veteran presence whom both he, and other teammates can feel comfortable going to for support.
Younger players are also stepping up on the ice and in the community; it is an exciting time to be a fan, and always nice to see a genuinely tight knit group, out there competing for each other.
Friends who visit BC Children’s Hospital in matching toques together, stay together.
Horvat’s humble, lead-by-example work ethic does not go unnoticed in the locker room. It’s something he has carried with him since his upbringing in the tiny farming community of Rodney, Ontario.
“It’s been a big stepping stone for Bo, but he’s proven he was ready for it,” said Sutter. “Nothing’s changed with his game or his personality. It's been the same guy, and that's why he's a captain.”
“A great leader has to be willing to accept that you don’t know everything, and be willing to listen, and he does an unbelievable job with that as well,” added Beagle. “I’m just excited for him and know he’ll be a great dad.”
Come July, Horvat will be on diaper duty — until then, he’s all in for the playoff push.
“There's a lot of hockey left to be played," said Horvat. "We have to be ready for it and play our best here down the stretch.”
What a difference a year can make.
