Canucks fans will get a chance to see their hockey heroes up close before the team’s final home game of the season tonight against the San Jose Sharks.

As part of fan appreciation night, Canucks players will greet fans and sign autographs outside Rogers Arena upon their arrival between 4:15 and 4:45. Like last year, you’ll be able to find players on the Toyota Plaza on the north side of the arena, across from the Stadium-Chinatown Skytrain station entrance on Expo Boulevard.

A Canucks spokesperson has confirmed with Daily Hive that the entire roster of players in tonight’s game will be there.

Because it’s taking place outside the rink, a ticket to the game is not required to attend.

Following player arrivals is the ‘party on the plaza’ at 5:30 pm, which includes a Canucks alumni autograph session. Fans will be able to let their backbone slide before puck drop, as Canadian hip hop artist Maestro Fresh-Wes will perform.

The party also includes an axe-throwing activity that would make Johnny Canuck proud.

Inside the arena, the Canucks are giving away several major prizes, including a road trip for four for next season to any NHL city of the winner’s choice. Other prizes include a Whistler weekend getaway, a Parq Casino prize package, concert tickets, a trip to the NHL Awards in Las Vegas, and restaurant gift certificates.

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All Canucks merchandise at the Team Store and kiosks around the concourse will be 30% off, with the sale extending to Vanbase.ca (with some exclusions for the online sale).

We’ll also find out the winners of the annual team awards, including MVP, Most Exciting Player, Best Defenceman, and Unsung Hero. With apologies to Jacob Markstrom, Brock Boeser, and Bo Horvat, Elias Pettersson is the obvious choice for both MVP and Most Exciting Player, while Alex Edler should win Best Defenceman. Unsung Hero is a more wide-open race, though Antoine Roussel is a strong contender.