Long-Time Vancouver Canucks Staff Member Announces Retirement After 45 Years
Photo credit: Vancouver Canucks
A long-time member of the Vancouver Canucks organization has decided it's time to retire from his role after spending 45 years in the National Hockey League.
The Vancouver Canucks' season came to an end on Wednesday night with a 4-1 loss to the Vegas Golden Knights at Rogers Arena, which unfortunately saw Kevin Lankinen leave due to an injury.
It was a special night for the team and one organization member in particular, who announced his retirement from the National Hockey League after four and a half decades in the game.
Vancouver Canucks equipment manager Pat O'Neill announces retirement
Prior to Wednesday's game, Vancouver Canucks equipment manager Pat O'Neill met with the media where he discussed his retirement from the game of hockey and reflected back on the 45 years he spent in the NHL.
"We'll, they've gone by a lot faster than when you think about it, but like I've told everybody, no one's had more fun in their career than I have." O'Neill said when asked about his 45 years in the league.
When asked about closing things out with this group of Vancouver Canucks players, O'Neill said, "It's special. It's a great group of guys. It's a pleasure being around them and working for them and like I said, I've been very fortunate because this is the most fun anyone could have doing a job that's very demanding and fruitful."
When asked about closing things out with this group of Vancouver Canucks players, O'Neill said, "It's special. It's a great group of guys. It's a pleasure being around them and working for them and like I said, I've been very fortunate because this is the most fun anyone could have doing a job that's very demanding and fruitful."
In the dressing room during last night's game, there were nameplates above the players' lockers to commemorate Pat O'Neill's time in the National Hockey League.
"Final game for a Canucks legend tonight in Vancouver. Equipment godfather Patty O'Neill retiring after 45 years in the NHL." Sportsnet's Iain MacIntyre said on X.
O'Neill's career began back in 1980 when he was the assistant equipment manager for the Winnipeg Jets during their season season in the NHL and after eight years, he moved onto the Vancouver Canucks and the rest is history.
After the final buzzer sounded for last night's game, the Vegas Golden Knights stayed on the ice and skated over to shake Pat O'Neill's hand and the first two to do so were former Canucks Tanner Pearson and Ben Hutton.
"A very nice gesture from the Golden Knights as they shake hands with Canucks trainer Pat O'Neill who's retiring after a 45 year career 🙌🤝" - Gino Hard on X said.
Everyone here at Canucks Daily would like to congratulate Pat O'Neill on a great career in the NHL and wish him all the best in retirement.
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AVRIL 17 | 206 ANSWERS Long-Time Vancouver Canucks Staff Member Announces Retirement After 45 Years Best of luck in retirement, Pat O'Neill! | ||
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