Pat Quinn, hockey legend, gets Vancouver street named after him

Vancouver City Council will rename a street outside Rogers Arena after hockey legend Pat Quinn, the former Canuck player, coach, general manager and president, who died in November.

The 700 block of Abbott Street will be renamed Pat Quinn Way at a public celebration later in March.

Hockey fans suggested the idea of naming a street after Quinn following his death last year. A motion was introduced to city council and it was officially given the green light on Wednesday.

Coun. Andrea Reimer said Quinn was key to the development of the Canucks into a top-ranked NHL team.

"As Canucks fans, certainly he brought about a big turnaround in the orientation of the Canucks in being a team that was focused on being a champion."

But Quinn was also a key force behind Canada's Men's Olympic hockey team, Reimer noted.

"For me, there was never a time when we didn't expect Canada to win gold in hockey. But we went ... years without a gold in hockey until Pat Quinn took it on in 2002," said Reimer.

Mayor Gregor Robertson also noted Quinn was committed to giving back to the community and ensuring kids were part of the Canucks organization.

Google Maps: 700 Abbott Street