The mayor of Vancouver says he would like to organize watch parties for the Canucks’ playoff run, but the city needs to proceed with caution given two previous post-season runs ended in riots.
Outdoor watch parties have been set up in other Canadian cities such as Edmonton and Toronto during the NHL playoffs, but none have taken place so far in Vancouver.
“Can we pull something off? Absolutely,” said Mayor Ken Sim on Thursday.
“Are we going to do our work? Absolutely … We’re not just going to say, ‘Hey, let’s throw a party. This time will be different.'”
In 2011, the City of Vancouver set up public viewing areas for fans to watch Game 7 of the Stanley Cup final between the Canucks and Boston Bruins.
After the Bruins defeated the Canucks 4-0 in the decisive game, around 1,000 began rioting in downtown Vancouver, causing an estimated $3.78 million …