Canucks Diwali night shines light on market vendors from across Metro Vancouver

The Vancouver Canucks lit up Rogers Arena on Nov. 5 to celebrate Diwali, as they faced off against the visiting Chicago Blackhawks. 

The ninth annual Canucks Diwali night celebrates the festival of lights and the rich culture of B.C.’s South Asian community.

The night started on the plaza outside Rogers Arena with music by DJ Heer. Fans also got a chance to meet and take photos with former Canucks goalie, Kirk McLean. 

McLean says Diwali means a lot to the Canucks organization and the night is all about celebrating community and togetherness. 

Some South Asian stars made a stop at Diwali night, including Punjabi rapper Jazzy B, actress Neeru Bajwa, music producer Intense, and wrestling duo Bollywood Boyz.

Inside Rogers Arena, a Diwali market took over sections 101 to 103, where fans shopped and listened to live music.

Market vendors included Guru Nanak’s Free Kitchen, DUDH SODA, Just Cakes Bakeshop, Tasty Indian Bistro, the Museum of Surrey, and DJ company Aftershock Roadshow.

Surrey’s Just Cakes Bakeshop owner Raveena Oberoi says the company is all about Indian fusion and celebrating their culture through baking. 

“It feels amazing [being here]. The representation really matters. You can’t be what you can’t see, so it’s really awesome we can do that now,” Oberoi says. “Nights like this really mean a lot to our community and to the broader love of hockey.” 

Just a few steps from Just Cakes Bakeshop was vendor DUDH SODA, a merchandise collection created by Hockey Night in Canada: Punjabi Edition host, Randip Janda. 

DUDH SODA was also giving out free samples of dudh soda, which is a popular Indian cold drink made of milk and carbonated soda.

Aman Khurana from DUDH SODA says Diwali is a celebration of light over darkness and it’s a blessing and a fresh start for the year ahead. 

“A night like tonight, where the Canucks are involved, the community is able to come out and be around other communities and share our celebration and culture,” Khurana says. “It’s really special for everyone in our community.”

The Museum of Surrey, which had a stall, was promoting its “Our Connection to Hockey” exhibit, which is on display at the museum until April. The exhibit celebrates the power of hockey and is where visitors can learn about grassroots initiatives, para and women’s hockey, and Punjabi broadcasters.

Beyond the celebrations on the concourse, Diwali night was underway on the ice. Blackhawks forward Tyler Bertuzzi silenced the home crowd with a hat trick in the third period. 

The Canucks got the crowd roaring late in the period with goals by forwards Aatu Räty and Evander Kane. Despite the late efforts, the Canucks still came up short, losing 5-2.

Rogers Arena wrapped up a vibrant Diwali night on a high note, celebrating sports culture and community.