Column: Japanese internment and tonight’s Lineup

On this day in Canadian history, in 1942, the Canadian government continued with its plans to forcibly removed Japanese-Canadians from coastal British Columbia to internment camps in the interior.

Following the United States’ lead after the attack on Pearl Harbour in December 1941, Prime Minister Mackenzie King announced plans, on Feb. 24, 1942, to relocate and intern nearly 22,000 Japanese-Canadians, the majority of which were either born in Canada or naturalized citizens. In addition to these repressive measures, families lost their homes, businesses, and personal property without compensation or apology.

Vancouver Canucks at Buffalo Sabres, 7 p.m.
2014-15 Records: VAN 35-22-3 (2nd in the Pacific); BUF 18-38-5 (8th in the Atlantic)
Leading Scorers: Henrik Sedin (12G, 43A); Tyler Ennis (15G, 18A)
This past Sunday, Vancouver goalie Ryan Miller was injured following a collision and now appears to be on the shelf for four to six weeks; however, much of the Canuck’s success is not attributable to Miller. In fact, he’s been average much of this year (.913 save percentage). While Miller’s absence is far from ideal, backup Eddie Lack is capable of shouldering the load. He was stellar earlier this week, stopping 40 against Boston en route to a 2-1 Vancouver win.
Prediction: Vancouver by 2

Montreal Canadiens at Columbus Blue Jackets, 7 p.m.
2014-15 Records: MTL 39-16-5 (1st in the Atlantic); CBJ 26-29-4 (7th in the Metropolitan)
Leading Scorers: Max Pacioretty (29G, 23A); Nick Foligno (23G, 32A)
Thanks to the outstanding services of Carey Price, the Canadiens are firmly in contention to win their division and could even vie for the President’s Trophy. Price has 34 wins and boasts an incredible .935 save percentage and should be leading all Vezina and Hart trophy ballots. Meanwhile in Columbus, a Sudburian is shining brightly. Nick Foligno leads his team in scoring, just shy of a point per game, and is on pace to shatter his career highs in goals and assists.
Prediction: Montreal by 1

Philadelphia Flyers at Toronto Maple Leafs, 7:30 p.m.
2014-15 Records: PHI 26-24-11 (5th in the Metropolitan); TOR 24-31-5 (7th in the Atlantic)
Leading Scorers: Jakub Voracek (19G, 45A); Phil Kessel (22G, 26A)
The Leafs we see tonight could have a different look come next Tuesday’s game, following the trade deadline. While big names like Phil Kessel and Dion Phaneuf appear to be on the trading block, don’t expect them to be moved by Monday. While the Leafs are keen to move players, having already traded Mike Santorelli, Cody Franson, and Daniel Winnik, it’s far more likely that players such as Joffrey Lupul or Roman Polak are the more viable options to be moved at the moment.
Prediction: Philadelphia by 1

St. Louis Blues at Winnipeg Jets, 8 p.m.
2014-15 Records: STL 38-18-4 (2nd in the Central); WPG 30-20-11 (4th in the Central)
Leading Scorers: Vladimir Tarasenko (31G, 29A); Bryan Little (24G, 26A)
The Jets are on the cusp of bringing NHL playoff hockey back to Winnipeg for the first time since 1996. However, they will have their work cut out for them in their final 20 games. Sitting in the stacked Central Division, Winnipeg will most likely be jockeying for a wildcard spot amongst the likes of perennial playoff teams such as San Jose and Minnesota.
Prediction: St. Louis by 1

Ottawa Senators at Los Angeles Kings, 10:30 p.m.
2014-15 Records: OTT 25-23-10 (6th in the Atlantic); LAK 29-18-12 (3rd in the Pacific)
Leading Scorers: Erik Karlsson (14G, 31A); Jeff Carter (18A, 28A)
The last time that the Senators beat the Kings in Los Angeles, Savage Garden had a No. 1 hit on the Billboard Top 40. In their seven meetings in Los Angeles since, Ottawa is 0-6-0-1. The two were held to a one-one draw on March 4, 2002, leaving Ottawa pointless in the Kings’ building for over a decade. Will tonight prove any different? Doubtful.
Prediction: Los Angeles by 2

Last Minute of Play
The legacy of the government’s internment program can be seen in the NHL. Paul Kariya, former Anaheim Ducks star and gold-medal Olympian, knew the history well as his father was born in a B.C. internment camp. More recently, Devin Setoguchi, a former first-round pick of the San Jose Sharks, but currently playing in the Calgary Flames’ minor league system, also descends from family that were interned during the Second World War.
It was not until 1988 before the federal government issued a formal apology and offered compensation to surviving family members of those interned. Fuelled by wartime hysteria and longstanding racism towards Japanese-Canadians in British Columbia, the government’s treatment of its own citizens remains a dark spot in Canadian history.

Current Record: 2-2