VANCOUVER - Adversity blanketed the Vancouver Canucks like a storm cloud last season.

A constant parade of injuries, high-profile personnel issues and underperforming stars dogged the team from training camp through the final game.

Now, with a healthy roster and a new head coach, the Canucks are looking to shake off the disappointment and push for a playoff spot once again.

The mission begins Thursday when Vancouver opens its season at home against the Calgary Flames.

“I think there’s just a fresh breath of air in the room this year,” goalie Thatcher Demko said as the team started training camp in Penticton, B.C.

“Obviously, we weren’t really set up to succeed with some of the things that were going on last year.”

Demko spent much of last season working his way back from a knee injur

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