The Vancouver Canucks ended the Calgary Flames’ 10-game win streak in stunning fashion Thursday night, putting up a score worthy of a special celebrity guest.
Watching his hometown team shellac their Canadian rivals by a margin of 7-1 was Abbotsford-raised NFL star Chase Claypool of the Pittsburgh Steelers. With the right side winning by a football score line, the Canucks’ in-game host handed the mic to Claypool and the sometimes controversial receiver didn’t hold back.
“7-0 is a touchdown score and I just wanted to say, the Calgary Flames suck so bad,” Claypool yelled, raising his arms in triumph as the Vancouver crowd cheered wildly.
Here’s the video of him saying it: pic.twitter.com/SYgQqeXFEm
— David Quadrelli (@QuadreIli) February 25, 2022
It was the second major round of applause of the night for Claypool, who was seated in the regular cheering section alongside other fans. Earlier in the game, the Steelers’ standout was introduced on the jumbotron, chugging his beer to much fanfare.
Abbotsford's own, @ChaseClaypool! #Canucks | @steelers pic.twitter.com/Li3SCoRgnr
— Vancouver #Canucks (@Canucks) February 25, 2022
The 23-year-old Claypool suited up in 15 games for Pittsburgh last season, recording 59 receptions for 860 yards, 14.6 yards per catch, and two touchdowns while rushing 14 times for 96 yards.
During his rookie season in 2020, the six-foot-four, 238-pound target played all 16 regular season games, hauling in 62 passes for 873 yards, 14.1 yards per catch, and nine touchdowns plus carrying the football 10 times for 16 yards and two touchdowns.
After being selected in the second round, 49th overall during the 2020 NFL Draft, the University of Notre Dame product became the first receiver in the Super Bowl era to score 10 touchdowns in his first 10 games.
The NHL game appearance is sure to add Flames fans to the growing list of people unimpressed by the vocal receivers antics. In two seasons in the NFL, Claypool has come under fire from — among others — Cleveland Browns fans, ESPN analysts, his coaches and teammates for a number of high profile sound bites.
