Bieksa's one-day contract and retirement from the NHL will be celebrated on Thursday, November 3rd when the Canucks play host to the Anaheim Ducks, the only other team he suited up for in his NHL career. The special night will feature a commemorative pregame tribute, a limited edition merch collection, and more.
"I am both honoured and grateful to officially end my NHL career as a Vancouver Canuck," said Bieksa in a statement. "It was a privilege to start my career with this amazing organization, in this incredible city, with the best fans in the league. I am and always have been a Canuck at heart and it's fitting I retire as one."
Originally selected by the Canucks in the fifth round, 151st overall in the 2001 NHL Entry Draft, Bieksa spent parts of 12 seasons playing in the Canucks organization, including 10 at the NHL level from 2005.06 to 2014.15. Prior to joining the Canucks full-time in 2005.06, he also played parts of three seasons with Vancouver's AHL affiliate Manitoba Moose. Among players originally drafted by Vancouver, Bieksa ranks 11th all-time in games played with the Canucks (597 GP).
Bieksa also ranks inside the top 10 in the following categories among Canucks defencemen: Games played (597 - 7th), goals (56 - t-7th), assists (185 - 6th), points (241 - 6th). In addition to his offensive capabilities, Bieksa was known for his physical play, still ranking second all-time among Canucks skaters in hits (967) and ninth in penalty minutes, fourth among defencemen (879).
The Grimsby, Ontario native also appeared in 71 playoff games with Vancouver, recording 25 points (10-15-25) and a franchise-high in penalty minutes by a defenceman (122). He was a major part of Vancouver's run to the 2011 Stanley Cup Final, collecting 10 points (5-5-10) in 25 games, including netting the Western Conference Final series-winning goal in double overtime of Game 5 vs the San Jose Sharks.
Tickets to this exclusive game are limited. Fans are encouraged to buy tickets now while supplies last at the following link:
https://vancanucks.co/3rWwejb
.
