Chinese New Year is a big deal in Vancouver.

It should be no surprise then that the Vancouver Canucks will be recognizing the holiday celebrated by over a billion people on February 17 (a day after CNY) when the Boston Bruins come to town. The Canucks will hope the festivities translate into some luck on the ice against their arch nemesis.

You’re probably thinking it’s the year of the rat coming up with Brad Marchand visiting, but no, the Canucks will in fact be celebrating the year of the dog.

The team has a number of things planned, including wearing special red Chinese New Year jerseys during warmup. The jerseys were developed in collaboration with Vancouver native and China-based designer Charlie Chien, featuring a stylized ‘year of the dog’ patch on the chest and shoulders.

Outside of the arena (weather dependant) prior to puck drop will be lion and dragon dancers, a Kung Fu demonstration, and a ‘lucky puck hunt.’

The first player of Asian heritage to play in the NHL, Larry “King” Kwong will be honoured pre-game with a video tribute. The Vernon, BC native played his first NHL game on March 13, 1948 as a member of the New York Rangers. His daughter, Kristine, will be on hand for a ceremonial puck drop on behalf of her father.

Chinese cuisine will be available in some areas of the concourse at Rogers Arena, including:

Pot stickers

Wontons steamers

Crispy pork belly on rice

Steamed soup dumplings with black vinegar

Pork bao

For its part, the kid zone will offer custom fortune cookies, a dog-colouring contest, and red envelope giveaways.

This isn’t the first time the Canucks have included some Chinese inspiration. The team wore special patches on their jerseys last September when they played in the first-ever NHL exhibition games in China.

Here’s a look at the #Canucks Chinese New Year themed jersey. Contact @CanucksStore with inquiries on how to get one! pic.twitter.com/SKhr0OzQJW — Vancouver Canucks (@Canucks) January 31, 2018

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