Vancouver Rocked By Rioters Following Stanley Cup Loss

While it's not excusable, riots of 'celebration' are sometimes seen in cities where professional sports championships are won. But in Vancouver B.C.  Wednesday night, it was the opposite.

Several dozen people were arrested, hundreds more driven away by police after riots erupted following the Canucks game 7 loss to Boston in the NHL Stanley Cup Finals.  The Canucks, who blew a 2-0 lead in the series, fell to Boston 4-0, keeping their NHL Championship drought alive.  Witnesses reported at least two overturned cars were set on fire in the downtown area, and the air was mixed with smoke, tear gas, and the stench of stale beer as police advanced in a wall to quell the rioters.   Several police cars were set on fire, and fans threw beer bottles at giant TV screens set up in the downtown area.  The Boston victory occured on Vancouver's home ice, no doubt fueling the anger of the rioters.  Police also used flash grenades to disperse the crowds.   City officials fear this will leave a 'black mark' on the city for a long time.  Fortunately and miraculously, there were no official reports of any significant injuries or deaths from the rioting.