From time to time, we will take you on a trip down memory lane looking at this day in Canucks history. On this day, October 5, 1989 the Vancouver Canucks played their first game of the season and lost 4-1 to the Edmonton Oilers. This game was significant because it marked the first time a Russian born player played for the Canucks. Not one, but two Russians were in the lineup: Igor Larionov and Vladimir Krutov. Both players were great players in the Soviet Union, and looked to transfer that great skill to the NHL. The “professor”, Igor Larionov was successful, eventually winning Stanley Cups with the Red Wings and is now a member of the Hockey Hall of Fame. Krutov was less successful, playing only one season in the NHL and became more well known for eating hot dogs than scoring goals. He then moved on to competitive eating (we assume).

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