The Vancouver Canucks look to have taken the first step in finally building a dedicated practice facility.
Canucks Sports and Entertainment and the City of Vancouver have signed a memorandum of understanding to explore building a new hockey practice facility at the Britannia Community Services Centre site, located beside the Britannia Ice Rink, the team announced Thursday.
As it stands, the Canucks do not have a dedicated practice facility and practise instead at Rogers Arena when available, or rent ice time at community or university facilities in the surrounding area.
“A dedicated practice facility is an important step forward for our organization and our players but working with the City to have this initiative deliver new amenities for the community makes this extra special,” Daniel Sedin, Canucks co-president of hockey operations, said in a release. “It gives our players and staff a home designed for development and provides the environment needed to help them reach their full potential.
This is another important piece in building the foundation, culture and standards that will help position the Vancouver Canucks for long-term success.”
The memorandum of understanding grants the two sides exclusive negotiation rights as they work together to explore terms on a potential ground lease, the use of the Britannia rink, and other financial terms and community benefits.
In addition to potentially building a practice facility in the neighbourhood, the Canucks will expand their community efforts by increasing investment in local youth programming, the team said.
“This partnership with our City represents a long-term investment in our community and in the future of hockey in Vancouver,” said Michael Doyle, president of Canucks Sports & Entertainment. “Britannia is a neighbourhood with deep roots and connection to the Aquilini family, which makes this particularly meaningful. We are committed to working with the community to explore opportunities for youth, families and future generations to connect through sport.”
Heading into the 2026-27 season, the Canucks are the only team in the NHL without a dedicated, permanent practice facility.