Danton Heinen’s Homecoming: A Local Star Debuts with the Vancouver Canucks

As a child growing up in Langley, Danton Heinen harbored the dream of playing professional hockey for the Vancouver Canucks. Inspired by iconic players such as Markus Naslund and the Sedin twins, Heinen’s aspirations are set to be realized as he makes his debut for the Canucks against the Calgary Flames on Wednesday night at Rogers Arena, marking the regular season opener for both teams.

The occasion is momentous not just for Heinen but also for his family. His parents, Rick and Veronica Heinen, will experience a deeply emotional moment witnessing their son, who will don jersey number 20 for the Canucks, take to the NHL ice. Recalling Danton’s childhood choice between soccer and hockey, which he decided on without hesitation, Rick Heinen expressed, “It’s going to be one of those surreal moments where you’re asking, ‘Is this really happening?'” Rick also mentioned the significance of having family season tickets through their business, B.C. Greenhouse Builders, since 1995.

Supporting Danton in the stands will be his siblings, Cody, Jessica, and Olivia, alongside numerous family members and over 30 friends. Despite the emotional weight of the occasion, Heinen aims to concentrate on his performance on the ice. The seasoned NHL player joins the Canucks after stints with Boston, Anaheim, and Pittsburgh, and is set to start the season alongside teammates J.T. Miller and Brock Boeser.

Heinen shared his excitement, stating, “Those guys are such good players. They think the game so well and feed off one another. I’m just trying to compliment them, listen to them, and have some fun.” The transition to the Canucks has been smooth for Heinen, aided by the pre-season matches, and he praised the welcoming atmosphere created by his new teammates.

The Canucks’ head coach, Rick Tocchet, praised Heinen’s abilities, noting his hockey intelligence and fluid playstyle. Tocchet revealed his belief that Heinen has the potential to elevate his game, saying, “He’s getting a chance with Millsy and Bess where he can score some goals and I see it there.”

Regarding interactions with the Sedin twins during practice, Heinen expressed admiration for their teaching approach and the insights they provide, affirming his positive experiences so far.

On the administrative side, Canucks General Manager Patrik Allvin was active over the weekend, completing a three-year contract extension with forward Nils Hoglander and executing a trade with the Colorado Avalanche involving defenseman Erik Brannstrom, aimed at enhancing the team’s salary cap flexibility.

Veteran sports journalist Bob “the Moj” Marjanovich notes that the Canucks are still refining their defensive strategies under Tocchet, who aims to cultivate more offensive plays from defensive transitions.