Friends win $500K in record 50/50 draw

The Sedins gave the whole city of Vancouver a gift on Thursday night, leading the Canucks to an overtime victory in the final home game of their NHL careers. But three fans got a little more out of it than the rest of the crowd.

Make that a lot more. Late in the third period, the Canucks announced a record jackpot of more than $1 million for the 50/50 draw.

The total amount was $1,014,555. With the Canucks For Kids Fund happily taking half, that means one lucky ticket holder went home with $507,278, the largest 50/50 raffle prize in North American sports history, according to ESPN sports business reporter Darren Rovell.

It turns out several buddies will be splitting the prize. Derek Kai, a Vancouver realtor with Rennie and Associates, said that he was super excited about the 50/50 win. Kai said that he and some friends bought about $650 worth of tickets. He said the winning ticket was split three ways with each getting $169,000.

“We are all, of course, thrilled and will be meeting this weekend to discuss our plans,” Kai said. “I have been a longtime Canucks season ticket holder and always buy tickets for the 50/50 draw.”

Kai, who was at the game Thursday night with his girlfriend, said the energy in the arena was “absolutely electric” and reminded him of attending playoff games.

“We couldn’t have asked for a better sendoff for two of the Canucks’ best players.”

How did the jackpot get so big ? Fan enthusiasm certainly played a role, as this was perhaps the most highly anticipated Canucks game in years. But the unclaimed funds certainly helped to get the ball rolling. With 90 minutes still to go before puck drop, the pot was already at $412,000. With money like that up for grabs, it’s little wonder everyone wanted to play the raffle. A payout like that would put you halfway to a one-bedroom apartment in Vancouver.

We’re all richer for having watched the Sedins play, and not just Thursday, when they scored the first and last goals in a 4-3 win over the Arizona Coyotes. But a group of friends is half a million richer.

#ThankYouSedins indeed.