Canucks Donate to Guru Nanak Free Kitchen as Manny Malhotra Marks Historic Diwali Night

Tuesday night at Rogers Arena marks a historic moment for the NHL and the Vancouver Canucks, as head coach Manny Malhotra will lead his team on the club’s annual Diwali Night as the first South Asian head coach in NHL history. 

While the Canucks have struggled on the ice and have secured just one win in their last 13 games heading into Tuesday’s home clash with the Anaheim Ducks—a team they beat a week ago—the allure of Diwali Night gives the game a special place in the home schedule. 

In the first season since Rogers cancelled Hockey Night in Canada’s Punjabi broadcast, it offers a welcoming environment for a community that has embraced the sport across the country for generations, particularly in the Lower Mainland. 

“When I think about it, I understand the implications and how special it is,” Malhotra said during his introductory press conference on becoming the first South Asian head coach in NHL history, after previously breaking barriers through his playing career. 

“My first thought and my foremost thought is that I just want to be the best coach that I can be…not the best coach of South Asian descent. That continues to be my mindset.”

Since Malhotra was appointed bench boss, and with the duo of Henrik and Daniel Sedin and the co-presidents, the team has also embraced more community involvement. Ahead of puckdrop, the Canucks announced a donation of over $100,000 to the Guru Nanak Free Kitchen. This volunteer-led program supports the community by providing warm meals, based in the Downtown Eastside. 

In addition to the donation, Malhotra also volunteered with the program, and the Canucks for Kids Fund will also donate $20,000 in recognition of their ongoing community support. 

“From a team standpoint, in terms of what the Canucks represent in the community, it just means a lot to be able to give back to a community that supports us so much,” Malhotra said in the video. “Everyone always needs something, and it's always good to help people in your community, regardless of their background, regardless of their financial standing; it's just good to help people.”

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Added Canucks VP of Community Relations, Alex Oxenham: “They're doing work in our neighborhood, really important work, and it's really special to make that connection and see what they do for our neighbors on the Downtown Eastside and beyond. 

“It's a group of volunteers who care so much. So to be able to support them and have a very small piece in their success and get to witness it firsthand, like we did having Manny there, that's really meaningful.”

In addition to the donation and volunteering with Guru Nanak Free Kitchen, the Canucks also released a Diwali-edition jersey for fans and a specialized logo, designed by Suki Kaur, featuring phulkari, meaning “flower work,” and the Diwali flame, a symbol of light overcoming darkness, among other traditional symbols.

"For 10 years, Diwali Night has brought the Festival of Lights to Rogers Arena, creating a space for our community to come together and celebrate the rich culture and traditions that make Vancouver such a vibrant city,” said Michael Doyle, President, Canucks Sports & Entertainment. “This milestone reflects the many voices and experiences that make up Canucks Nation, and we’re proud to celebrate alongside our South Asian fans and families who have made Diwali Night such a meaningful tradition over the years.”

While the Canucks might not be enjoying much success on the ice this season, the team has taken a refreshing look at its community involvement, harkening back to the 2000s and early 2010s when the Sedin twins led as much off the ice as they did on it. 

Following Tuesday’s matchup with the Ducks, the Canucks will look ahead to a clash with the Winnipeg Jets on Thursday, while plenty of fans eye the Nov. 16 hometown remix jersey debut against the New York Rangers