For the past 18 years Canuck fans have been entertained by both Henrik and Daniel who have grown from Boy’s to Men in a City they embraced.

Many questioned the motive of Canuck’s GM Brian Burke at the 1999 Entry Draft who wanted to select both, but that would have to depend on a trade with either Tampa, who selected first followed by the expansion franchise Atlanta who had the second pick.

The Canucks entered the draft determined to select both Sedins and set in place a trading frenzy that involved various teams. 

Burke worked his magic and after it was over Atlanta used the first pick to select Stefan, that allowed the Canucks to use the second and third picks to select the Sedins. 

A masterful trade to this day that ended up seeing the Lightning traded out of the first round.

One can clearly mention that this trade went down in history just to show the number of first round picks have played what many consider to be a full regular season ten seasons of play. 

Following the 1999 draft there are 16 of the 28 first round picks that have played 82 NHL games. 

It should be known that from the 2000 draft there are 21 of 30 playing,while 23 of 27 players in 1998 the Entry Draft.

It’s interesting to note that Barret Jackman and Martin Havlat were still active players of all other 26 first-round picks in the NHL a short 15 years after the draft.

You knew they are first class individuals given the fact that they give their wishes to Jay Bouwmeester in their opening remarks.

Having their Parents, Brothers, Wive’s and Families on hand as well as NHL dignitaries meant more to  the Twins than the public will ever know.

In conversation with Roberto Luongo following the on-ice presentation, he was more than willing to talk about what the Sedin’s not only meant, but did for the Canuck organization.

Since the Canucks entered the league it’s fair to mention that there have been various team leaders, starting with Cesar Manago, to Stan Smyl followed by Trevor Linden then Markus Naslund they have all been leaders of the organization. 

Following the on-ice ceremony there was a media and greet with both Daniel and Henrik as well as those on the ice for the ceremony, which created somewhat of a media frenzy for all reporters.

They also left their mark in the community and dating back to 2010 they donated $1.5 million to help build a new BC Children’s Hospital. 

They also established the Sedin Family Foundation which works to improve healthy, education and family wellness in B.C.

Henrik is still Vancouver’s leader in 1,330 games played, with 830 assists and 1,070 points 

Daniel leads the franchise with 393 goals and is second with 648 assists, 1,041 points and 1,306 games. 

Henrik is more of a setup man who would rather pass than shoot and won the Art Ross Trophy as the league’s top scorer in 2009-10, with 112 points. 

He won the Hart Trophy as league MVP, while Daniel won the Art Ross in 2010-11 with 104 points. 

He won the Ted Lindsay Award as the league MVP voted on by the players. 

It wasn’t just local media that took this in, but rather the various (I’m told 7) Swedish media on hand to cover this milestone event for all Swedish media that made the trip.

It was great to be able to chat with Mike Gillis, Kevin Bieksa, Matias Oland and Trevor Linden about their time playing with the Sedin’s and what they meant to the game, but mostly the Canucks. 

They have given their time and dedication not only to the Canucks, but the Canucks For Kids and various other charities, not to mention the City and the Province.

On behalf of the many fans that we come in contact with each and every day, thanks to both Henrik and Daniel for their undivided love for the city, the Canucks and today’s youth.

If we learn anything from this ceremony, it’s about believing in yourself, what you can achieve and never lose respect for those who have helped you reach your goal.

It’s not easy to reach your dream, but dreams do come true!!

Special “Thanks” to  the Vancouver Canucks organization for putting on such an  exceptional first class event.
If you thought the 2011 run was exciting, wait for the next trip to the Cup final, it’s going to be overwhelming.

I was asked for my prediction on the Canucks and if you look at how they are building the club, make plans for five years when they host the Stanley Cup Final!!