Ex-Vancouver Canucks Mitchell, Hamhuis Buy Marina, Baertschi to the Dogs

Just a couple of quick off-ice items for your reading pleasure today.

First, this report from Sarah Petrescu of the Victoria Times-Colonist, via The Province, about former Vancouver Canucks Dan Hamhuis and Willie Mitchell going into business together.

The pair, along with Mill Bay-based developer Andrew Purdey, have purchased the Marina West Motel and Marina in Tofino.

On Sunday, the new owners will be hosting a summer barbecue to introduce themselves.

Tough City! On behalf of my partners, Dan and Andrew I wanted to say we’re super stoked to be the new owners of @marinawestmotel. We are committed to making it one of the best blue collar marinas in the Pacific Northwest by adding fresh resources, energy, and eyes to the property. All three of us are #BC boys from small towns who have a passion for fishing, the outdoors, our oceans and that small town camaraderie. We look forward to taking that first step with you #Tofino on August 14th between 2-4pm. Sooo... Come on down for a casual BBQ & frosty beer from @Tofinobrewcomany, with some live music by @little_saturday_band #yourtofino #explorebc #tofinobc

A photo posted by Willie Mitchell (@willie_mitch33) on Aug 3, 2016 at 7:58pm PDT

I know Mitchell has had a longstanding love affair with Tofino. The 39-year-old hasn't retired from hockey—he's still officially listed as an unrestricted free agent—but I'm pretty sure his on-ice career has come to a close. It's nice to see both Mitchell and Hamhuis investing in British Columbia and looking to set themselves up for life after hockey. Not an easy business to be in, though—I wish them the best of luck!

Here in Vancouver, Sven Baertschi and his girlfriend Laura Calvert are among the local celebrities that will be locked in cages on Friday as part of the BC SPCA's "Lock-in for Love" fundraiser.

Sven Baertschi and his girlfriend are gettlng locked up for all the right reasons https://t.co/FZUPiE5kqQ via @nhl

— Adam Kimelman (@NHLAdamK) August 11, 2016

Baertschi's love for animals looks like it runs deep. His profile photo on Twitter is a shot of him with his girlfriend and their Siberian Husky, Bear.

Sven and Laura will be locked in the kennel until they raise $4,000. Here's the link if you'd like to make a donation.