Christine Sinclair Honored by Canucks in Pre-game Ceremony (Dec. 19, 2022) (SNP)

Welcome. Hot Squal-tanoya. Yuwan Hoth and Squalawen. Tonight, our Vancouver Canucks will play on the unceded and traditional territories of the Musqueam, Squamish, and Tsleil-Waututh Nations. We embrace the positive and evolving relationships with First Nations people and the broader community. The spirit of sport and teamwork can lift our spirits together. Let's cheer our Canucks on to victory. Go Canucks, go! Tonight, we are honored to have with us one of Canada's greatest athletes of all time and a proud British Columbian. Christine Sinclair stands alone at the top of the mountain of the games she was born to play. With humility and deep focus, 14 times she has been named Canadian Soccer Player of the Year. She has represented our country for over two decades of superlative play. The captain leading Canada to Olympic bronze and Olympic gold. Christine was the first soccer player to be named Canadian Athlete of the Year, has been inducted into the Canadian Walk of Fame, and is an officer of the Order of Canada. A fierce competitor, Christine is only one of three players to score in five World Cups, and in January of this year, she was the recipient of the Best FIFA Special Award as the International All-Time Leading Scorer. An inspiration to generations, please welcome the pride of Burnaby, Christine Sinclair! Please join Christine at center ice for a ceremonial face-off. Thank you Bo Vink and thank you Christine for everything you've done for this country! Please remain standing if you can, remove your hats and join Elizabeth Irving and 8-year-old Michaela in the singing of the Star-Spangled Banner. Go Canada!