Canucks give a suite welcome to Surrey Schools Welcome Centre students

Students of the Surrey Schools Welcome Centre received a warm reception by the Vancouver Canucks during a recent pre-season game, with a complimentary suite and catering, making for an unforgettable introduction to Canada’s pastime.

The invitation was extended by the Canucks to Surrey Schools, offering newcomers to Canada a chance to see a live hockey game as Vancouver faced the Phoenix Coyotes at Rogers Arena. While spots were limited, they were quickly filled by students of the Welcome Centre eager to learn more about the sport that’s captivated the hearts and minds of so many in their new home country.

“It was fantastic from start to the end, I cannot tell you how much fun the newcomers had,” said Faizur Sahebzadah, a settlement worker at the Welcome Centre. “They were so appreciative from the start until the end.”

One of the families Sahebzadah accompanied was from Afghanistan and only arrived in Canada six weeks ago after fleeing that country’s Taliban government. For them, it was a spectacular welcome, made all the more special by a visit from a member of Canucks royalty, former star-goalie Kirk McLean.

“Imagine that, only being six weeks in Canada and to go to a Canucks game, a full stadium, you’re in the suite with catering, unbelievable food, and then on top of that, to be paid a visit from a Canucks hall-of-famer,” said Sahebzadah. “At first the guests didn’t really know who he was, but when I explained who he was and how big of a deal he was here in Vancouver by relating it to the equivalent of some sports stars from back in Afghanistan, they became very excited and asked for pictures to show their friends.”

Tony Ta and his son Eddie were welcomed by Canucks legend Kirk McLean.For Tony Ta and his son Eddie, it was their first time watching hockey in any capacity.

Having immigrated from China, Ta said hockey isn’t seen much in his home country and it was unlike anything they’d experienced before.

“We had a very good experience, we had a special room, and there was lots of food and they treated us very well,” said Ta, noting that his son Eddie was most fascinated by the atmosphere. “We enjoyed that a lot, the music, the crowd and the cheering. We also had a visit with Mr. McLean and got pictures with him.”

In addition to families from Afghanistan and China, some from India and Taiwan also attended.

And while there were numerous highlights during the evening, there was one moment that really brought the evening into focus for Sahebzadah.

“When the Canadian anthem played, the family from Afghanistan that only arrived six weeks ago stood up and put their hands over their hearts, and that was something I’d never told them about,” he said. “They are already embracing their new country and wanted to show gratitude, which was really amazing to see.”

In addition to the suite and catering for the Welcome Centre’s newcomers, the Vancouver Canucks also donated 40 tickets for students from the district’s various Community Schools Partnership programs to attend the game.

“We’re so thankful to the Canucks for reaching out to us with this opportunity,” said Rob Rai, Director of School and Community Connections. “Not only was it a truly special evening for our students that attended, but for these families coming from all over the world, many of which aren’t familiar with hockey, it was an amazing opportunity to experience one of Canada’s greatest passions at the highest level.”

According to Rai, the families were moved by the welcome they received and how considerate the arena staff were.

“The Canucks crew and team were so amazing, Canucks legend Kirk McLean took the time to come by and visit with the families, as did Fin, the Canucks mascot,” he said. “The crew even accommodated some of the families’ specific dietary needs by ensuring that some of the food was halal, which made them feel all the more welcomed.

“It was really just an all-around amazing experience for these families, and a welcome that was as Canadian as it gets.”

And to end the night on a high note, the Canucks beat the Coyotes 4-0!