It took a long time, but it happened! Many in the hockey world along with some of the sports writers pondered the thought of having Pavel Bure’s number retired. All for various reasons!
Looking back on his history, he was one of the most exciting players the Canucks have ever had on the roster. Many might question that, but it’s fact.
Upon arriving in Vancouver, it is true he was unable to speak English, but under the watchful guidance of Igor Larinov he became more understandable with the teams and the surroundings.
The Vancouver Canucks made if official and retired Pavel Bure’s #10 to the rafters at Rogers Arena.
The event was prior to the NHL game of the week featuring the Canucks and the Leaf’s. He has his side-kick Gino Odjck with him on the ice along with Pat Quinn, who was more like a Father to him, than just a Coach.
His #10 is only the fourth (4th) number in franchise history to be retired. He is a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame as well as the first Vancouver Canuck player to be inducted as a Vancouver Canuck.
Bure was a member of the Canucks from 1991.92 to 1997.98, playing his first NHL game on November 5, 1991 against Winnipeg. While with the organization, Bure tallied 478 points (254-224-478) in 428 games played.
He continues to hold the franchise record for most points scored by a rookie with 60 (34-26-60) in 65 games played in 1991.92 as well as for most career shorthanded goals (24).
The Moscow, Russia native also ranks top five all-time in game-winning goals (32), goals (254) and hat tricks (9). Bure shares the franchise lead in playoff goals alongside Trevor Linden, registering 34 in 60 playoff games with Vancouver.
In 1994, his 16 playoff goals set a franchise record for most playoff goals in a post season and helped Vancouver to within one win of a Stanley Cup Championship.
On the international stage, Bure helped the Russian national team secure gold medals at the Winter Olympic Games, the World Championships, World Junior Championships and European Junior Championships.
In 1989, Bure was a member of Russia’s gold-medal winning team at the U20 Championships in Alaska where he was also named a tournament all-star.
He finished the tournament with 14 points (8-6-14) in seven games played to lead all Russian scorers and trailed only Jeremy Roenick and Mike Modano in tournament scoring.
Originally selected by Vancouver 113th overall in the 1989 NHL Entry Draft, Bure ranks fifth in scoring in his draft class and recorded more points per game (1.11) in his career than any of his peers drafted in 1989.
Bure became just the fourth player in the franchise’s 43-year history to have his number retired, alongside Stan Smyl (12), Trevor Linden (16) and Markus Naslund (19).
During his career, Bure was a Canucks teammate of both Linden and Naslund and played under the direction of Smyl, who was an Assistant Coach with the organization.
