The Vancouver Canucks are about to embark on their longest road trip before the calendar flips over to 2027, and their second-longest of the season.
Vancouver enters the trip at 2-2 after opening against tough competition. Over those four games, the group has been standing up for one another and are taking steps to improve their game with each outing.
An early-season road trip can help build team chemistry and strengthen their on-ice game. After the Vegas Golden Knights edged the Canucks 3-2 on Sunday night, Vancouver forward Paul Cotter praised the team’s makeup of high-character, skilled individuals that are hungry to get better every day.
“We have a great group,” Cotter said. “When you have a room that’s that close and willing to get better together, it can take you so far. So, we’ve battled, we’ve had a couple great teams we’ve played against here early and going to continue to try and be better, and I think a road trip will help us. Obviously, you’re with your team 24/7 on the road and I think it should be good for us.”
Veteran defenceman Luke Schenn has been on plenty of road trips, and in his 19th NHL season he’s learned how building relationships off the ice makes a team that much stronger. He’s looking forward to connecting with the group early in the season.
“It’s obviously important. Getting the chance to know your teammates, going out for a beer together or dinner, and getting to know one another a little bit on a personal level. I think the closer you are off the ice, the easier it translates on the ice, and you want to play for one another more,” Schenn said.
“Obviously, we’ve got some long road trips here, and it’s nice to get to know the boys right off the start.”
The group got to know each other at informal skates and training camp, but they haven’t had much time together away from the rink.
Schenn estimates he’s organized roughly 70 percent of team dinners over the years, and he’s comfortable taking the reins because he knows the best spots to eat and always makes a point of going out to eat. In 19 seasons, he says he’s never ordered room service on a road trip.
“The best part about the NHL is getting out there and getting to know your teammates,” Schenn said. “I always say I don’t remember a lot of games, good or bad, guys have had, or a lot of plays along the way, but I remember getting to know the guys and stories along the way, and some of the best memories are just getting to know your teammates.”
The 36-year-old said life on the road is a little different in today’s NHL than it used to be. With the speed of the game ramping up and seasons with compressed schedules, there’s more time spent focusing on recovery, but finding time to create a close-knit group is still a high priority.
Another big part of road trips are the flights, and Schenn isn’t picky about his seatmate. With three kids at home, he likes to use that time to relax.
“I’ll sit with anyone; I don’t really care, to be honest,” Schenn said. “You sit, then you get up, and you kind of mingle around at certain parts of the flight in the air.”
Through four games, the group has liked how they’ve played for one another and competed, taking a step forward each game. They’re hoping to carry those things on the road and keep building.