Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The stone statues at the Stanley Park entrance to the Lions Gate bridge have stood guard since the span opened 85 years ago.
They’ve been decorated for Christmas and were adorned with face masks during COVID. Now the stone lions are wearing giant blue and green Vancouver Canucks jerseys.
The day after the Canucks beat the Predators to take a one-game lead in the opening round of the playoffs, fans were happy to see the statues wearing the team colours.
“I like it because they are very solemn, they’ve been around all the time, and now they’re participating. I think it’s charming,” said one man, who peered at the statues from the Stanley Park causeway overpass.
Mystery surrounds the jerseys, which appear to be custom-made and are attached with heavy wire.
One passerby theorized the Canucks marketing department was behind the jerseys, and another suggested they could be the work of UBC engineers.
“They were probably put up in the middle of the night so nobody can see them,” said another woman. “It’s a mystery, nobody knows, I think that’s the exciting part of it all.”
It’s not the first time the lions have been adorned with Canucks jerseys. When they appeared on the stone statues during the Stanley Cup final run in 2011, a trio of thieves stole them. Police recovered and returned them days later.
“We have seen this in the past, whether it’s the Canucks or the Lions or other significant social events, various landmarks around the city often get dressed up accordingly,” said Vancouver Police Department spokesperson Sgt. Steve Addison, who hopes no one takes them during this playoff run.
“It’s part of the fun fan-friendly experience that kind of makes this time of year really cool.”
The police don’t know who made the jerseys and put them on the statues, and neither does B.C.'s Ministry of Transportation, which oversees the Lions Gate bridge.
While there is some concern the jersey-clad statues could be a distraction for drivers, the ministry said in an emailed statement it “recognizes the excitement in the city for Vancouver Canucks playoff hockey and will leave them in place for the time being.”
Fans hope the jerseys can stay as long as the Canucks are in the playoffs, and that they’re only removed when the teams hoists the Stanley Cup.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
DEVELOPING 122 active wildfires burning across Canada, 32 considered 'out of control'
The 2024 wildfire season has begun, and it's shaping up to follow last year's unprecedented destruction in kind, with thousands of square kilometres already consumed.
B.C. parents sentenced to 15 years for death of 6-year-old boy
A British Columbia Supreme Court judge has sentenced the mother and stepfather of a six-year-old boy who died from blunt-force trauma in 2018 to 15 years in prison.
Veteran TSN sportscaster Darren Dutchyshen has died
Veteran TSN broadcaster Darren 'Dutch' Dutchyshen, one of Canada’s best-known sports journalists, has died. He was 57. His family says 'he passed as he was surrounded by his closest loved ones.'
Miller scores late as Canucks grind out 3-2 win over Oilers in Game 5
J.T. Miller scored in the final minute of the game and the Vancouver Canucks came back for a 3-2 victory over the Edmonton Oilers in Game 5 of their second-round playoff series Thursday.
Think twice before sharing 'heartbreaking' social media posts, RCMP warn
Mounties in B.C. are urging people to think twice before sharing "heartbreaking posts" on social media.
Police issue Canada-wide warrant for Regina homicide suspect
Police have issued a Canada-wide warrant for a man wanted in a homicide which occurred in Regina on May 12.
Trudeau calls New Brunswick's Conservative government a 'disgrace' on women's rights
Prime Minister Justin Trudeau assailed New Brunswick's premier and other conservative leaders on Thursday, calling out the provincial government's position on abortion, LGBTQ youth and climate change.
Kevin Spacey receives star support as he fights to get his career back
Kevin Spacey is pushing back on the 'rush to judgment' against him and is being backed by some big names as he seeks to reclaim his acting career.
Speaker cuts ties with Sask. Party, alleges he faced threats, harassment from gov't MLAs
The Speaker of the Saskatchewan Legislature Randy Weekes has severed ties with the Sask. Party after accusing some members of harassment and intimidation tactics, including a situation he claimed saw the Government House Leader bring a hunting rifle to the legislative building.