VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A curious migration trend appears to be forming north of the border, at least according to social media chatter: Americans upset with Donald Trump are once again threatening to pack their bags, move to Canada and reinvent themselves as proud fans of the Vancouver Canucks.
The plan, as described online, is simple.
Step one: relocate to scenic Vancouver.
Step two: buy a flannel shirt.
Step three: hike a mountain while sipping craft beer and loudly explaining the intricacies of hockey to confused locals.
Some aspiring expats have even begun practicing phrases such as “eh,” “power play,” and “this IPA has notes of pine and emotional reflection.”
Longtime Vancouver residents appear supportive of the idea — though mostly amused.
After all, becoming a Canucks fan requires a certain emotional resilience. The franchise has passionate supporters but is still chasing its first Stanley Cup, meaning new arrivals will quickly learn the delicate Canadian balance of optimism, heartbreak and politely apologizing when the team loses.
Still, the promise of alpine views, hockey debates and endless craft breweries seems to be fueling the fantasy.
Whether the great migration actually happens remains to be seen. Historically, these declarations tend to fade once people remember how far Canada is from their favorite barbecue restaurant.
But if it does happen, the Canucks may soon gain a wave of new fans who came for the mountains, stayed for the hockey — and accidentally learned to love the game along the way.
