Disappointed

I'm REALLY disappointed tonight. Not because of the Canucks losing, but rather because of the way people acted tonight. I didn't even get to see the end of the game because people began setting a car on fire as soon as Boston scored on our empty net. It was Game #7. Keyword: GAME. No people, the world is not ending because Vancouver didn't win the Stanley Cup. 

Riots began breaking out before the game even ended. As soon as that car went up in flames in front of the CBC big screen, people started running away (literally running). I got tear gassed by the police who were using tear gas to control riots. Man that stuff burns your eyes!! People were smashing cars, breaking storefront windows, setting things on fire, breaking out into fights - it was not a display of good sportsmanship. It's a game and I know a lot is at stake, and a lot of people were hoping for a win, but ultimately, it's a game. It's tough playing in a playoff series like this and I can't imagine any of those Canucks players were happy Boston won tonight. But they worked hard and got this far. It wasn't how they wanted it to end, but it's not their fault. Yes they were the team that lost, but they gave it all they had and it just wasn't meant to be. I'm still proud of how far they came. They had some good really good games in the playoffs this year, but unfortunately people tend to focus on the fact that they didn't win it all, rather than looking at how far they came.

Luongo, you're awesome. As an athlete, I know ya can't be at your best all the time. He worked hard tonight and I respect him. You can't control whether or not you have a good day. He worked hard tonight, and that's all you can ask of him. I don't care what people say, I'm not bashing the Canucks. I was hoping they'd win, but they didn't. It happens. Second best team in the NHL. Western Conference Champions. I'd say that's something to be proud of. I don't think that deserves an entire city to break out into riots. But apparently people in Vancouver are stupid and immature and feel rioting is acceptable.

Here is a happier scene - caught the end of the national anthem (before the game started - people weren't in an angry rioting mood just yet)

I saw this on my way to work this morning. Oh Vancouver, we'll have to wait until next year for another chance at the Cup!

Watching the game at the CBC big screen. 

People in trees...

...and people on light posts?! (Little hard to see)

Anyway, Canucks are still awesome. One game doesn't define a team, and I still support them. They played well in the playoffs, just not well enough to win the Stanley Cup. They'll learn from this and move on. I'm proud of them :)

Granville Island, on my walk home :)

And for next season: