The Pacific Coliseum is rocking again, and this time it's the Vancouver Goldeneyes leading the charge. The city's new Professional Women's Hockey League franchise has brought electric energy back to the historic arena, creating an atmosphere that rivals any major league experience.
Walking through the turnstiles into a sea of blue and gold jerseys evokes memories of watching Pavel Bure and Trevor Linden as Canucks fans, but with an energy entirely its own. The Goldeneyes have remained unbeaten at home, with passionate supporters filling the stands even on rainy Tuesday nights.
Local talent has shone brightest. B.C.'s own Jenn Gardiner, who grew up dreaming of playing alongside Canucks legends, now serves as an inspiration for a new generation. "I have so many photos of when I was young in Canucks jerseys; I dreamed of playing with the Sedins and Markus Näslund," Gardiner shared before the season. "It's cool for me to know that all the little girls can look up to female players that look just like them."
Gardiner has backed up those words on the ice, scoring goals that send the hometown crowd into a frenzy. Fellow B.C. product Katie Chan from Tsawwassen has also emerged as a fan favorite, notching her first PWHL career goal and terrorizing opponents with relentless forechecking.
The game-day experience captures everything that makes live hockey special. When ABBA's "Dancing Queen" played over the loudspeakers during one game, the crowd continued singing for a full minute after play resumed—fans dancing in the concourse and seats, united in song. Music from the video game GoldenEye 007 provides clever nods to the team's name, while the entertainment between stoppages keeps energy high throughout.
Merch lines stay full from the opening whistle, the sound is on point, and the crowd remains frenetic. The screen in the middle of the rink might feel from another era, but it doesn't matter. What the Pacific Coliseum lacks in modern amenities, the Goldeneyes faithful make up for in passion and volume.
Not bad for an old coliseum that many left for dead. Go Goldeneyes.