The Comic Asylum

Hi Derek!

My name is Cybil and I wanted to pass on this letter I wrote to the team after game 7. I actually went home that day and watched all the post-game interviews, hoping I would cry my eyes out one last time, then move on and look forward to next season. But I should have known better, I'm not a crier, so I wrote this letter as my emotional outlet.

I don't know if it's possible, but I'm hoping you can share this with the rest of the team, because I really want them to know that the true fans are never going to give up on them.

It's a bit long... but that's what happens when you stay up till 3 am because you won't let yourself sleep until you finish writing!

I am a Vancouver Canucks fan. I will always be a Vancouver Canucks fan.

Our 2010-2011 season was something I will never forget. Each and every player on our team had an amazing season individually, but together, we were the #1 team in the NHL regular season.

We went into the playoffs against a familiar enemy, but we slayed the dragon and got our #3venge.

Round 2 was one of the best. We had the privilege to play such a classy organization with such respectful fans. Thank you, Nashville.

The San Jose Sharks in round 3 were so fun. Both teams played fantastic hockey, so thank you, SJ, for a great series.

I've never felt so close to a team than I did with the Canucks this season, and I'd like to thank them for being my motivation for the past 10 months.

Kevin Bieksa, for teaching me to stand up for the ones I love. For showing me you can be told you don't belong here, only to come back and have the best season of your career.

Mason Raymond, for showing me a team always sticks together. That an injury will not keep you away from what you deserve and what you believe.

Jannik Hansen, for being the underdog. For doing everything right, stepping up when we needed you most, and for showing me true sportsmanship.

Dan Hamhuis, for being such a warrior. Bouncing back after every concussion, fighting harder every time. For being such an inspirational human being, on and off the ice.

Keith Ballard, for being one of the most positive people I've ever seen. For accepting his role on the team with such maturity, and thrilling the city with each beautifully delivered hip-check.

Mikael Samuelsson, for always speaking your mind. For always being honest and telling it like is because you know we deserve the truth.

Alex Burrows, for teaching me to never give up. For always chasing your dreams, because one day it'll lead you to scoring the most important goal of your life, and for never leaving a friend behind.

Cory Schneider, for being the best backup we could ever ask for. For having one of the most stellar rookie seasons the league has ever seen.

Manny Malhotra, for demonstrating true dedication. For fighting a terrible injury to come back to do what you love, and for being one of the bravest we've ever seen.

Jeff Tambellini, for being our hometown hero. For doing whatever you could to be a part of this team, for playing with so much enthusiasm, and for never losing hope in our city.

Sami Salo, for every ounce of pain you've had to endure. For coming back each time and playing better than we could have imagined.

Alex Edler, for doing all the right things, quietly. For silently executing your role in this team with such modesty and simplicity.

Andrew Alberts, for being there when we needed you most. For all the great things you've done under the little spotlight you had.

Tanner Glass, for being our Scrabble king. For always standing up for our team and fighting the bears in our closets.

Chris Tanev, for being a magnificent surprise. For coming up and being so cool, calm, and collected, and for being so humble about all of it.

Christian Ehrhoff, for being our secret weapon. For being such an incredible defence man and an amazing goal scorer in one.

Aaron Rome, for being the bigger man. For showing us that in hockey, one's health should always come first, and for reaching out to someone who needed it.

Maxim Lapierre, for being our little troll. For being more entertaining than David Letterman, and for telling our opponents everything we wish we could tell them ourselves.

Chris Higgins, for taking on a bigger role on this team than most of us expected. For coming in late, but showing us you can play some damn great hockey.

Ryan Kesler, for being so inspiring. For showing such leadership, determination, and purpose. For never taking no for an answer, and for teaching me to never hide behind excuses.

Daniel Sedin, for repeatedly putting the game on your stick. For refusing to hide in the shadow of your brother, for playing with such integrity, and for having such an astounding and entertaining season.

Henrik Sedin, for being my inspiration. For accepting the responsibility of this team, for always brushing aside the glory you deserve, and for taking the blame you should not have had to.

Roberto Luongo, for being Roberto Luongo. For constantly leaving the haters speechless, and for having the best season imaginable. For all the hate you've faced, only to turn it around and lead us to the biggest stage in hockey.

Cody Hodgson, Victor Oreskovich, Lee Sweatt, and every single player who suited up in a Canucks jersey this season. If you played 1 game or if you played 20, we are grateful for everything you did for us.

Alain Vigneault, Mike Gillis, Rick Bowness, Newell Brown, and all who are involved in the Canucks Organization. Thank you for making this season so exceptional.

Derek Jory and Jeff Vinnick, for taking us along with you on your journey around the league. For showing us Kes and Juice's matching Superman shirts, Salo's wide assortment of hats, and what the guys do to kill time on the road. For making us feel like a part of the team.

And The Stanchion, for making me scream louder than I ever have before.

We may not have ended up with the Stanley Cup, but we have absolutely nothing to be ashamed of. With so many of our players competing injured, we should have nothing but pride for our boys who took it to Game 7.

You aren't simply put in the Stanley Cup Finals—you train your whole life for it, you refuse to be second best, and most of all, you never lose faith in your team.

Cheers, boys, to an unforgettable season.