Antoine Roussel works out for the Vancouver Canucks in the NHL's Edmonton bubble. (Courtesy: Canucks TV)

By Josh Hall (Twitter: @Vancan19)

FAMILY TIES come in handy

Rebels lend a hand to Vancouver Canucks for Stanley Cup Playoffs

Aug 6, 2020 | 12:56 PM

The Red Deer Rebels are doing the Vancouver Canucks a real solid during the NHL’s post-season in Edmonton.

With access to workout equipment somewhat limited inside the “bubble,” Canucks forward Brandon Sutter reached out to dad Brent for some assistance.

“He called me and asked if it’d be alright if we leant them some of our fitness equipment, and I said absolutely,” says the Rebels president, GM and head coach.

“Obviously our dressing room and gym is locked down because of COVID, so it was all accessible. One of their trainers then called me, we talked about what their needs were, and we were able to provide everything they needed.”

Brent says the load of gear he personally delivered to the Canucks’ hotel included bikes, mats, rollers and weights.

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“I’m told there are some things they can use inside the rink, but it’s all based on time and they have schedules they have to go by, so sometimes those schedules don’t work for the teams,” he says.

Asked if it was at all strange not helping one of the Alberta teams, the Oilers have all their gear on site, he notes, and the Flames didn’t ask. Had they, Sutter admits the help would’ve come just as willingly.

“It’s basically part of Brandon’s equipment,” the Rebels’ long-time owner quips.

Sutter, who played in the NHL playoffs on 14 occasions, says he’s been watching quite a bit of the league’s return to play.

“It’s been really good, especially when you think about how long the players were off, and to be thrown into that environment. The NHL’s done an outstanding job setting up the bubble, players have been really disciplined so far with no cases being found,” he says.

“When this was all put together, the bubble was the right way to go, because you see what’s happening now with Major League Baseball – but yes, the games have been great and credit to everybody involved; the league, the Oilers, the Maple Leafs, their cities and the teams. Everybody’s engaged and doing their part.”

Canucks TV documented bubble life in a video released Wednesday night.