Vancouver Canucks forward Maxim Lapierre skates against his defensive teammate Andrew Alberts during two-on-two drills during a January 8, 2013 practice at UBC’s Thunderbird Arena. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
I was at a Vancouver Canucks practice earlier this week, and got a few good shots I’d like to share.
But first, why not support some other teams around town this weekend? (Well, any weekend, really, but I’m posting this on January 11, 2013.)
Saturday January 12:
• The Vancouver Giants host the Kelowna Rockets on Saturday, January 12 at the Pacific Coliseum.
• The Lady Thunderbirds go against the Pronghorns for the back half of their weekend double-header.
• The Heat host the Wolves again in Abbotsford, but that game is sold out.
Photo gallery after the jump.
Pucked in the Head is taking part in the 2013 Ride to Conquer Cancer. You can help us reach our fundraising goal by throwing a few bucks at our campaign, at http://www.conquercancer.ca/goto/jasonkurylo2013.
Notable: Andrew Alberts, Jannik Hansen and Cory Schneider were at their first skate with teammates in quite some time. The Sedins were both laughing it up, and seemed to enjoy the rougher parts of the practice just as much as the stickhandling & passing drills. Alex Edler didn’t shy away from any of the contact drills, suggesting his back is ready for anything practice can throw at him — now all that’s left to test is how it reacts to game conditions. Maxim Lapierre and Jason Garrison flashed million-dollar smiles at pretty much every opportunity.
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alex Edler takes part in saucer passing drills during a practice on January 8, 2013. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Cory Schneider leans against the wall post-practice at UBC’s Thunderbird Arena. He’s entitled, after a 20-hour commute, a morning workout and a full practice with his NHL teammates. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Andrew Alberts takes part in shooting drills during a practice on January 8, 2013. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks sniper Daniel Sedin looks for a pass during drills at Thunderbird Arena on January 8, 2013. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks forward Manny Malhotra only fell down once during the January 8, 2013 practice at Thunderbird Arena, but as a self-respecting photographer I have to share it anyway. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks forward Jannik Hansen participated in his first team practice since returning from Europe on January 8, 2013. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Alex Edler readies to take part in a two-on-two scrimmage during a practice on January 8, 2013. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Jason Garrison sports a healthy smile during a practice at UBC Thunderbird Arena on January 8, 2013. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis talks about building a backyard rink during a break at practice on January 8, 2013. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks defensemen Andrew Alberts and Kevin Bieksa listen to instructions from UBC coaching staff during a practice on January 8, 2013. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks practices (despite the lockout, that’s what these have essentially been the past three months) have also included some players who were elsewhere last season, including James Vandermeer. he played for the Sharks last season. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks teammates Andrew Alberts (#41) and Jannik Hansen (#36) battle for a puck during keepaway drills during a practice on January 8, 2013. They had just returned to Vancouver after spending much of the lockout in the Prairies and Europe, respectively. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks defenseman Dan Hamhuis follows up an outlet pass during drills at a practice on January 8, 2013. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Jason Garrison of the Vancouver Canucks looked like he was having the time of his life skating with his new teammates on January 8, 2013. Why not? He’s cleared for full contact after a lengthy injury, and his union is on the verge of ratifying a new 10-year CBA. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Perhaps the only moment during the January 8, 2013 Canucks practice that didn’t feature Jason Garrison’s 100-watt grin. Is this the game face he’ll sport against division rivals this season? Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks forward Maxim Lapierre skates against his defensive teammate Andrew Alberts during two-on-two drills during a January 8, 2013 practice at UBC’s Thunderbird Arena. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Cory Schneider spoke at length with reporters after a hectic day and a half of travel, workout and practice. Rumour is he threw a couple hours of sleep in there someplace too. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks forward Manny Malhotra was in fine form at the January 8, 2013 practice. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks wondertwins Daniel and Henrik Sedin were in fine form at this practice on January 8, 2013. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Cory Schneider took part in a full practice at UBC on January 8, 2013 despite just arriving after a 20-hour commute from Switzerland.
Vancouver Canucks goaltender Cory Schneider says the only awkward part about the team’s goaltending situation is having to answer media questions about it. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks forwards Daniel and Henrik Sedin play keepaway at a practice on January 8, 2013. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
Vancouver Canucks forward Maxim Lapierre flashed this toothy smile at just about every juncture of the January 8, 2013 practice at Thunderbird Arena. Photo by Jason Kurylo for Pucked in the Head.
