Canucks Sports & Entertainment acquires Vancouver franchise
SAN DIEGO, June 18, 2018 –The National Lacrosse League (NLL), announces the sale of the Vancouver Stealth to Canucks Sports & Entertainment. The new Vancouver franchise will begin play during the 2018-19 season at Rogers Arena.
“First and foremost, I would like to thank Denise Watkins for her many years of passion and commitment at the helm of the organization, which included bringing a championship to the franchise in 2010,” said NLL Commissioner Nick Sakiewicz.
“I am very grateful for Denise Watkins’ dedication through the years,” said Seals President Steve Govett. “She has brought tremendous excitement and enthusiasm to the NLL. David Takata and Doug Locker have represented Denise incredibly well in the Board room.”
The franchise will undergo a transformation during this off season as they take on a new team name, logo and brand to be unveiled in the coming months. This fresh direction will reflect the new ownership and a new era for the team.
“I am genuinely excited for the city of Vancouver,” said Govett. “Canucks Sports & Entertainment will be tremendous stewards for the National Lacrosse League in Vancouver moving forward. It’s my hometown and will always be near and dear to my heart.”
The Canucks are working diligently to prepare for the upcoming season. They will be providing regular updates to the market along with a special event in the coming months to announce the new brand in Vancouver.
For additional information on the NLL or the new Vancouver franchise, visit NLL.com or click here for the FAQ. You can also find us on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About the National Lacrosse League
The National Lacrosse League (NLL) is North America’s premier professional indoor lacrosse league. Founded in 1986, the NLL ranks third in average attendance for pro indoor sports worldwide, behind only the NHL and NBA. The League is comprised of 11 franchises across the United States and Canada: Buffalo Bandits, Calgary Roughnecks, Colorado Mammoth, Georgia Swarm, New England Black Wolves, Philadelphia Wings, Rochester Knighthawks, San Diego Seals, Saskatchewan Rush, Toronto Rock and Vancouver Stealth. The 2017-18 NLL season, commemorating the League’s 32nd year, began December 8th during #FaceOffWknd. For more information, visit NLL.com and find the NLL on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
About Canucks Sports & Entertainment
Owned and operated by the Aquilini Investment Group, the Vancouver Canucks were founded in 1970. Playing its home games at Rogers Arena since 1995, the Canucks have appeared in three Stanley Cup Finals (1982, 1994 and 2011) and produced consecutive President’s Trophies in 2010.11 and 2011.12. Through the support and passion of Canucks fans, Rogers Arena hosted a consecutive sellout streak of 474 games from 2002 to 2014, one of the longest in the history of professional sports. President Trevor Linden, General Manager Jim Benning and Head Coach Travis Green currently guide the direction of the club. Through the Canucks for Kids Fund, the Vancouver Canucks are dedicated to assisting charities that support children’s health and wellness, foster the development of grassroots hockey, and facilitate and encourage education in BC. Thanks to the generosity of fans, donors, players, employees and sponsor partners, the Canucks for Kids Fund (CFKF) has granted more than $55 million to charities in British Columbia over the last 32 years.
For more information, visit nhl.com/canucks or RogersArena.com.