Vancouver Canucks bring smiles to B.C. Children's Hospital

Vancouver Canucks players brought some joy and laughter to childrenatB.C. Children's Hospital on Wednesday.

It was the team's first visit to theCanucks Playroom at the hospital's new Teck Acute Care Centre.

The playroom was created to give childrena space to playbetween medical treatments. It's designed to mimic the experience of being at the arena, complete with a jumbotron, hockey-themed fixtures and air hockeygames.

The team spent some time playing air hockey and getting to know the kids.

"I think when you have kids yourself you kind of understand what these families are going through and what a visit means for them. Once you get kids, it hits you more so than before," saidCanuckscaptainHenrikSedin.

Rachel Gurraschel'seight-year-old son, Griffin Ployartwas diagnosed with brain cancer in May.

He's cancer free now but is still recovering and uses a wheelchair.

"His daysare so filled with hospital visits and poking and prodding, that something like this means the world to him, and me and my husband as well. It's fantastic," she said.

Griffingot the chance to play air hockey against his favourite player, Brock Boeser.

"Playing air hockey with Griffin was fun. And just getting to meet all these kids is really cool and hear some of their stories and how strong they are is really special too," said Boeser.

TheCanucksfor Kids Fund donated$1 millionin March 2016 to create the playroom.