Canucks wear special patches honoring Bieksa

The Vancouver Canucks are keeping Kevin Bieksa close to their hearts.

The Canucks wore special patches that featured a silhouette of Bieksa with his No. 3 on the chests of their jerseys.

The former Canucks defenseman signed a one-day contract to retire with Vancouver on Thursday. Bieksa spent 10 seasons with the Canucks and three seasons with the Ducks.

Bieksa was also honored with a pregame ceremony before the Canucks game against the Anaheim Ducks at Rogers Arena.

Bieksa’s daughter, Reese, performed the ceremonial puck drop between her dad and Ducks alternate captain Cam Fowler.

The team also gave Bieksa the stanchion which famously assisted on his goal in double overtime that eliminated the San Jose Sharks in the 2011 Western Conference Final.

It was a heart filled night in Vancouver.