For a generation of Vancouver sports fans, the holiday season brings a familiar pang of nostalgia for a beloved television tradition that vanished from the airwaves two decades ago.
A Holiday Staple Gone, But Not Forgotten
The final episode of the iconic local sports show Sports Page aired on CHEK TV on September 2, 2005. Yet, every December, its legendary holiday special, 'Yulin' with the Page', experiences a vibrant resurgence on social media, proving its enduring appeal. The special, a mix of year-end highlight reels, comedic skits, and appearances by local athletes, became must-see—or must-record—holiday viewing.
Former host Don Taylor, now of CHEK's Donnie and Dhali – The Team, believes the show's charm lies in its era. "It speaks to a time when sports wasn’t taken as seriously and was probably a lot more fun," Taylor reflected. He contrasts today's tightly controlled media environment, where teams and athletes manage their own channels, with the unprecedented access the Page enjoyed. He cites moments like Trevor Linden casually asking teammates Gino Odjick and Pavel Bure for their Christmas wishes in the Canucks' locker room—a scene unimaginable in today's professional sports landscape.
Memories of Mistletoe and Mayhem
The creativity behind 'Yulin' is fondly remembered by the show's alumni. Another longtime host, Barry Macdonald, instantly recalls a favourite episode where boss Paul Carson baked cookies at home while Macdonald, Taylor, and John Shorthouse sang carols around town. Their performance impressed a Petro-Canada attendant on Burrard Street named 'Fish,' who offered to buy them a drink—a offer followed by a shot of him filling three cups with gasoline.
Shorthouse, the current voice of the Vancouver Canucks, notes the special's origins were humble. "Yulin' was originally planned as merely a way to give staff a couple of nights off during the holiday season," he explained. Its popularity exploded, and it "became synonymous with Christmas, much like the world junior hockey tournament." Shorthouse credits Taylor as the "brains behind the entire project," joking that it became a running gag how much more time Taylor devoted to it each year.
A Legacy That Lives On Online
The show's legacy is actively preserved by fans. Full episodes from 1993 to 1999 have been uploaded to YouTube by viewers, ensuring new generations can experience the nostalgia. The 'Yulin' tradition continues to spark conversations online every holiday season, a testament to its unique place in B.C.'s cultural history.
The influence of Sports Page on Vancouver's sports media scene remains profound. Alongside Taylor and Shorthouse, other notable alumni include Dan Murphy (Canucks TV host), Blake Price (Sekeres and Price podcast), and Dave Randorf (Tampa Bay Lightning play-by-play). Twenty years after its sign-off, the spirit of 'Yulin'—with its blend of sports, humour, and holiday cheer—proves some traditions never truly fade, they just find a new home on the digital airwaves.
