It was the best of times and the worst of times all contained within a few short days. Over fifty thousand fans gathered in downtown Vancouver to celebrate with pride the accomplishments of their hockey team. The series was tied and the Stanley Cup was within reach. It was a peaceful, happy, family-oriented event. There was no trouble, and the police commended the crowd for their civility.

What occurred following the final game was decidedly different. None were more shocked than the residents of Vancouver. Sure, there was some disappointment (the Canucks came within two goalposts of wining the coveted cup), but only temporarily. After all this was a team that went against all odds to make it to a seventh game. We were still proud of their achievement and many ventured into the downtown area to once again celebrate.

British Columbians witnessed televised news reports of the riot about the same time as the rest of the continent. It was devastating, it was shocking, and it left a mark on what is known as one of the most beautiful cities in the world.

Hours later at Vancouver International Airport a group of about three thousand die-hard fans waited to greet their heroes. They were cordoned off, thanks to the gangsters who, by now, had completely destroyed the downtown are when they went on a wild rampage, smashing windows, looting and hurling rocks, bottles, and verbal abuse at innocent bystanders and police officers.

When the team stepped off the plane, they were bewildered by the media questions. Totally unaware of the devastation, they were shocked that all the good they had done could be so quickly unraveled.

Upon delivery of morning newspapers describing destruction, many Vancouverites felt sickened. News reports, particularly in New York, focused on the fact fans were reacting to losing the Stanley Cup.

Nothing could be further from the truth. It was later suggested that a criminal element had planned the entire affair days in advance. They had selected stores as their own, completely wiping out the floors of merchandise. The riot was their deflection and they had planned the destruction regardless o the outcome of the game.

Two days later the downtown streets returned to normal. A crowd of over 40,000 Canucks’ fans showed up in B.C. Place stadium for “fan appreciation day.” There they greeted their team, including wives and children, with waves, cheers and respect for hockey players, who have given their all, on as well as off the ice. There was no trouble this day. “Now that’s more like it!” the Vancouver Sun reported as the city tried to regain some of its lost dignity.

However all’s well that ends well and in the end the riot has served as a reminder of just how far society has deviated from decent behaviour. It was not necessary to lecture out teenagers on the evil pervading our society. The televised news accounts of the riot did more to subdue them than thousands. It was not necessary to lecture our teenagers on the evil pervading our society. The televised news accounts of the riot did more to subside them than a thousand words could have. Suddenly, they seemed to realize it is their generation that will be responsible for the future and they did not like wheat they were seeing.

Vancouver Mayor Philip Owen reacting to the trouble stated it was indicative of the “deep social problems across the country.” Letters poured into the newsrooms from readers blaming the lack of discipline in schools, the escalating number of gangs, the growing lack of respect for human life and property.

Although it was shocking, devastating, nauseating, perhaps nothing will have awakened the residents of this peaceful province more than the media coverage. This time there was no need for embellishment, or comment. Indeed the pictures were worth a thousand words.

Nonetheless, there were warnings preceding this riot. Many did not believe such a terrible thing could happen in this city. Many failed to realize that life is becoming expedient, that morals are losing their place in a society run amok.

But as long as we continue to sit back and blame others while the world falls apart, in the end we will undoubtedly all share the blame. Because in the words of Edmund Burke, “All that is necessary for evil to prevail in society is for good men to do nothing.” Ain’t that the truth?