City of Vancouver Not Happy with NHL Stance Regarding Post-Game Riots

City of Vancouver Not Happy with NHL Stance Regarding Post-Game Riots
John Nestor

Vancouver, BC, Canada

The city of Vancouver wants the NHL to take a more hands-on approach to help prevent riots after Stanley Cup games.

A pair of reports on the most recent riot in Vancouver recommend the league become a partner with host cities, teams and business groups to help create an exciting but safe environment for fans.

The Canucks lost Game 7 of the Stanley Cup finals at home to the Boston Bruins. Afterward a huge group of unruly people turned the downtown area into what looked like a mini war zone with burning cars, smashed store fronts and looting.

One report was written by former Nova Scotia deputy attorney general Doug Keefe and former Vancouver Olympic committee head John Furlong. Another was an internal review by the city of Vancouver.

Fans were invited to downtown Vancouver to watch games on large-screen TVs during the finals and over 150,000 people attended events in downtown Vancouver. Damage from the riot has been estimated in the millions of dollars.

Vancouver Mayor Gregor Robertson said the NBA and NFL work closely with host cities at major events.

"I'm hopeful we have a real proactive role coming from the league and the Canucks so that we don't see this kind of situation again," he said.

The Canucks vowed to do their part.

"We feel we should be very supportive and help the city and the province as they plan future public events for our games," said Victor de Bonis, the Canucks' chief operating officer.