Kevin Bieksa Gives Incredible Speech Before Retiring a Canuck

As the caption on the social media post said, “Once a leader, always a leader.” Bieksa’s speech was meant as a reminder to the current roster that they were responsible for creating the right environment and culture in that room and with this team. He said it was the thing he was most proud of, the culture he created with the Sedins, Ryan Kesler, and Roberto Luongo, among others. They knew what their jobs were and they did it to the best of their ability, getting out on the ice or into the gym early and often based on what their role was with the team.

You could see the players absorbing every word and it was a timely message considering the state of the current Canucks’ team. They need more wins and that starts with a belief and work ethic that is unmatched. It is up to this team to dig themselves out of an early hole and grinding is the only way to get there.

Watch the video and the speech. It will give you goosebumps because it’s exactly what this club needed to hear. There was nothing cheesy or overly emotional being said. It was just a clear message from a calm leader who looks like he’s got the stuff to be an NHL coach one day.