In an ideal world, Canucks fans would be spending this afternoon excited about the team’s home opener against the upstart (but realistically still moribund) squad known as the Edmonton Oilers. Tonight’s game would’ve marked Nail Yakupov’s NHL debut, and Canucks fans surely would have cheered deliriously every time a Canucks forward dumped the puck into Justin Schultz’s corner and lined him up for a big hit. Also, it would’ve been hilarious to hear the Rogers Arena faithful chant "Seatt-le! Seatt-le" all game long.

Instead, of course, there’s no NHL hockey tonight. But all is not lost, there’s plenty of other things that might occupy your time this Saturday evening! Let’s explore some options after the jump.

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AHL Hockey

While the Canucks aren’t in action tonight, several of their roster players will be. The Chicago Wolves open their season tonight with a game against the Rockford IceHogs (the AHL affilliate of the hated Chicago Blackhawks). Several of Chicago’s most notable players, including Jordan Schroeder, Steve Pinnozotto, Chris Tanev and Zack Kassian would’ve almost certainly been on Vancouver’s opening night roster if not for the NHL lockout.

Well if you’re willing to pay $6.99, you can stream the game on AHL live this evening at 5 PM PST. If you want to read more about the Wolves, I previewed their upcoming season over at PlayNow today. Also Ben Kuzma spoke to Scott Arniel and Zack Kassian about reasonable expectations for the Canucks’ burgeoning power-forward prospect this week, and Paul LaTour wrote an excellent feature on Eddie Lack.

Saturday Night Live

If you’re like me, Saturday Night Live is must watch television every week. That’s especially true this week, as the famous variety show (with Canadian origins, it’s loosely based off of the structure of the University College Follies) is hosted by hilarious bombshell Christina Applegate. Christina Applegate may not be quite as sexy as the hilarious, embarassing goals that the Canucks routinely score on the OHLiers, but she’ll do in a pinch.

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Night Life and Event Listings



Image courtesy Jeremy Lin.

There’s a bunch of fun stuff going on tonight. None of it is happening in Vancouver unfortunately, but whatever, you might as well make the best of it!

I recommend inviting some friends over, carefully selecting who you invite so as to maintain a reasonable girl-to-guy ratio, and starting the night with a pre-drink. While I like to rag on Vancouver for being Provincial in terms of culture and fun events, I’m generally down with the Waldorf and the Fortune Sound Club. Those spots are pretty reliable, so you could go there and pretend that you live in a city where meeting people is possible without having to join a dragon boat team!

Go Eat Izakaya

Izakaya is delicious.



Image courtesy 604FoodTography.com





