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Rattled Canucks fans call for GM Jim Benning's firing with signs, chants

The Vancouver Canucks losing games is not a new thing, but fans are continuing to find fresh ways to express their disappointment with the state of the franchise.

As the Colorado Avalanche handed the Canucks their fifth straight loss, and tenth defeat of the young season, on Wednesday, the temperature among the fan base hit new levels of angry — if it wasn't jacked all the way up already.

One took it all the way.

With both a sign and a custom jersey featuring a classic “Thank You Jim” slogan and nameplates of every player Canucks GM Jim Benning either traded away, gave up too much for, or let walk to another team, one fan — who turned out to be a season ticket holder on the verge of giving up — was front and center.

Others weren’t so lucky to be granted the spotlight and had their homemade displays of frustration taken away from them at the gates, even if they had a clever workaround.

And some who did make it in were more direct.

Among a smattering of “Fire Benning” chants on Wednesday, the Canucks earned their tenth loss of the season. Vancouver now boasts a 5-10-1 record and the fifth-lowest points percentage in the entire league.

Now in his eighth season as Vancouver GM, Benning has seen his team make the playoffs just twice and has only earned one playoff round win. But regardless of the performance, he still has some of his players’ backing — at least publicly.

“I take that personal because the reason those conversations are happening is because guys aren’t doing their jobs,” defenseman Quinn Hughes said in response to the pressure that the management group is facing.

Whether any change is made this season or next, there might be more “Thank You’s” coming as the Canucks spend another year in the basement.

Some fans allegedly had anti-management signs confiscated before
Some fans allegedly had anti-management signs confiscated before "Fire Benning" chants filled Rogers Arena during yet another brutal Canucks loss. (Twitter/@smolsamplesize)

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