Canuck News

While the Canucks have missed out on the 2016 play-offs they are making noise in different areas, by means of a trade and a front office move.

Canucks Sports and Entertainment (CSE) announced today that Jeff Stipec has been named Chief Operating Officer.

He previously held the role of Vice President, Hospitality & Event Operations for two years at CSE.

“Jeff is a tremendous person who displays outstanding leadership qualities and energy to our fans, partners and employees,” said Victor de Bonis, COO, Aquilini Group. “He is an engaging, motivating communicator and demonstrates values that align with those we strive for every day at CSE. Jeff’s passion and experience will positively impact our business for years to come.”

Prior to joining us at Canucks Sports and Entertainment he had 25 years of leadership experience with large organizations, including as EVP and President with Intrawest, COO and President with Cara and as a SVP with The Stronach Group.

Stipec will report to de Bonis and lead CSE’s experienced senior leadership team responsible for all areas of the sports and entertainment business in the strategic and operational direction of the company.

Helping The Cause

The Vancouver Canucks and Canucks for Kids Fund announced today a donation of $100,000 to the Canadian Red Cross to help in aiding people affected by the Fort McMurray forest fires.

“Our thoughts continue to be with the families and individuals impacted by the extraordinary wildfires of Fort McMurray,” said Paolo Aquilini, President, Canucks for Kids Fund. “We admire the resolve and courage demonstrated by the people of Fort McMurray and have been inspired by the outpouring of support from individuals and companies during this unprecedented disaster.

The need for help remains strong and we encourage everyone to continue to support Fort McMurray and the thousands of evacuees as they deal with the challenges today and in the future.”

The forest fires raging since May 3 triggered the largest fire-related evacuation in Alberta’s history. Since the beginning of the disaster, more than 700 employees and volunteers of the Red Cross have been working tirelessly in accommodation centers to meet basic needs and in call centers to register all of the victims.

As of May 13, more than half of the $50 million offered by the Canadian Red Cross to help people affected by the Alberta wildfires has already reached thousands of families in need of basic items.

In 24 hours, the Red Cross successfully provided more than $30 million in immediate financial assistance to 64,000 people by an electronic transfer of funds.

The ongoing electronic transfers represent the largest and fastest distribution of immediate financial assistance to people in Canadian Red Cross history.

The Canadian Red Cross is continuing to reach all registered evacuees, ensuring no one is left without assistance and is committed to helping people and communities rebuild and recover from this disaster.

Fans wishing to make a donation and provide assistance are encouraged to visit www.redcross.ca for more information on how to support the Canadian Red Cross.

Signing

Vancouver Canucks General Manager Jim Benning announced the club has signed defenceman Tom Nilsson to a one-year, two-way contract.

Nilsson (22 and from Tyreso Sweden) appeared in 37 regular season games with Frolunda HC of the Swedish Hockey League this past season, where he registered seven points (1-6-7) and 34 penalty minutes.

He also registered a goal and an assist (1-1-2) in seven playoff games.

In 2014.15, the 6’0”, 183-pound defenceman tallied six points (1-5-6) and 26 penalty minutes in 44 games as a member of the AHL Toronto Marlies.

He was originally selected by the Toronto Maple Leafs in the fourth round, 100th overall, at the 2011 NHL Entry Draft.