VANCOUVER, BC – Kevin Bieksa claims he didn’t need attention and never sought the spotlight.
However, that light always found the feisty and determined former Vancouver Canucks defenceman.
Bieksa played hard and played hurt. He was a physical force, voice of reason, mentor, friend and legendary prankster.
His charitable endeavours and work with mental-health initiatives endeared him to fans and the general populace as much as imposing his physical and psychological will on the opposition. And scoring that infamous stanchion goal to propel the Canucks into the 2011 Stanley Cup Final only added to the appeal of a 2001 fifth-round draft choice (151st overall) who beat long odds.