BREAKING NEWS: Vancouver Canucks’ Kieren Dervin (18) Smashes Three-Run Homer in Seventh Inning Stunner Against Toronto Maple……

In a thrilling and highly unorthodox scene that has sports fans across Canada scratching their heads and cheering simultaneously, Vancouver Canucks third hockey man Kieren Dervin (18) was greeted at the dugout by right winger Braeden Cootes (27) after belting a dramatic three-run home run in the bottom of the seventh inning against the Toronto Maple Leafs — at Vancouver Canucks Stadium.

Yes, you read that correctly.

In what appears to be either the most ambitious cross-sport promotional event in history or an extraordinary glitch in the sports universe, members of the NHL’s Vancouver Canucks took the field — baseball field, that is — for what fans are calling the “First Annual Frozen Diamond Classic,” a charity hybrid baseball game played by the Canucks and the Maple Leafs under the warm summer sun.

Dervin, known for his breakout performance during the Canucks’ 2024–25 season as a tenacious third-line winger, showed surprising power at the plate when he launched a fastball deep into left-center field, clearing the 375-foot marker. The crowd at Vancouver Canucks Stadium — a retrofitted version of Rogers Arena temporarily transformed into a baseball diamond — erupted as Dervin rounded the bases.

As he crossed home plate, he was met by teammate and right winger Braeden Cootes, who lifted Dervin off the ground in celebration, shouting, “That’s how we do it — puck or pitch!”

The hit gave the Canucks a 7–4 lead over the Maple Leafs, marking the highlight of an already surreal day of sporting crossover.

From Ice to Infield

The event, part of a charity initiative benefiting youth hockey and baseball programs across Canada, featured full NHL rosters trying their hands at baseball. Jerseys were swapped for pinstripes, helmets traded for batting caps, and sticks laid down in favor of Louisville Sluggers.

Despite a few comedic missteps — including a double play that involved someone sliding into the wrong base — the players showcased unexpected athletic versatility.

Kieren Dervin, who was mic’d up during the game, joked to commentators: “I think I just hit farther than I’ve ever skated.”

Fan Reactions

Fans packed the stands for the sold-out event, many donning half-hockey, half-baseball gear. “It’s wild, but honestly, this is Canadian sports at its weirdest and finest,” said one fan, draped in a half-jersey of both teams.

The game also featured appearances from alumni players and celebrities, with a ceremonial first pitch thrown by Canucks legend Trevor Linden — though it barely made it over the plate.

What’s Next?

Organizers hinted this may not be a one-off. Rumors already swirl of a rematch in Toronto next summer, perhaps with even more teams involved. The “Frozen Diamond” concept — taking ice hockey players to the baseball field — may just become a beloved summer tradition.

As for Dervin and Cootes, their celebration may now live in Canadian sports highlight reels forever — a reminder that sometimes, even the coldest sports can heat up in unexpected places.

Editor’s Note: Yes, we know hockey players don’t typically hit home runs — but this is Canada,

and anything is possible.