'Nice work Rogers Arena': Canucks fans show love to Horvat in return to Vancouver

Bo Horvat had one main message to Canucks fans ahead of his first game back in Vancouver: “Thanks for all your support over the years.”

“Whenever we were going through our tough times, a lot of fans supported me and stuck by my side all these years,” he added at morning skate. “… Who knows what’s going to happen tonight. But whatever happens, boos, no boos, I just appreciate what the city and this organization have done for me.”

Well, as Canucks fans watched their former captain take the ice once again at Rogers Arena, it didn’t take long for them to show some appreciation right back.

Pre-game warmups saw a teary-eyed Horvat wave to the Vancouver faithful who were down by the glass — several even holding signs for the centre.

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Traded to the New York Islanders almost 10 months ago, Horvat spent the first nine seasons of his career with Vancouver and ranks 10th in franchise scoring with 420 points (201 goals and 219 assists) over 518 games.

So the Canucks — of course — honoured his time and accomplishments with a video tribute during the game’s first commercial break.

And while Horvat had already been sprinkled with some light-hearted boos when he touched the puck during play, the crowd was anything but negative during the tribute.

The 28-year-old was met with a standing ovation and once again appeared emotional as he listened to the cheers and applause from the fans who supported him for nearly a decade.

Fans also took to social media to share their love for the former Canuck. Here is just a glimpse of the reactions to Horvat’s return.

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