The Russian Rocket’s #10 jersey rose the rafters, officially during the Pavel Bure Retirement Ceremony held by the Vancouver Canucks in a special and motivational pre-game ceremony ahead of a match-up against the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 2nd.
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.
“I’m just happy what happens in the journey of my life,” Bure said. “I had maybe the best time in my career here in Vancouver.”
There were too many highlight-reel goals to list, but Bure’s personal highlights included a run to Game 7 of the Stanley Cup Final against the New York Rangers in 1994, which was sparked by his double-overtime Game 7 winner against the Calgary Flames in the first round.
“I can’t just choose one,” Bure said. “First game, first goal, ’94 Stanley cup run, first time to score 50 goals, which by the way didn’t count. I scored a goal and they waved it off so I had to score another one.”
The Pavel Bure Retirement Ceremony displayed a lot of memorable moments from Bure, with focus on Scoring – and Bure’s passion for it – is what Vancouver Canucks fans will remember most of the hockey legend.
Photo Credit: Sheriff Earp