Vancouver Canucks celebrate Diwali

VANCOUVER CANUCKS/X

The Vancouver Canucks lit up Rogers Arena on Wednesday November 5, 2025  to celebrate Diwali, as they faced off against the Chicago Blackhawks.

The ninth-annual Canucks Diwali night celebrated the festival of light in a way that celebrated 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 1990’s Canucks goalie Kirk McLean.

McLean said Diwali means a lot to the Canucks organization, adding that tonight was all about celebrating community and togetherness.

Inside Rogers Arena, a Diwali market occupied sections 101 to 103, where Canucks fans had the opportunity to shop and enjoy 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 Ravenna Oberoi said 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 that we can do that now,” Oberoi said. “This means a lot to our community and to the broader love of hockey.”

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

DUDH SODA was also giving out free samples of their dudh soda drinks, which are a popular Indian cold drink made up of milk and soda.

Aman Khurana from DUDH SODA said Diwali is a celebration of light over darkness, adding that it’s a blessing and a fresh start to the year ahead.

“At 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 said. “It’s really special for everyone in our community.”

The Museum of Surrey's "Our Connection to Hockey" exhibit will be on display at the Cloverdale location until April. The exhibit will celebrate the power of hockey, where visitors will learn about  Punjabi broadcasters, para and women’s hockey.

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.