"There was already enough hate-on around the league for the Vancouver Canucks and that was before Max Lapierre and Mike Duca arrived on the scene.

Lapierre is a lock to start the season as the fourth-line centre and Duco is one of a handful of wingers fighting for the chance to line up beside him.

On Sunday night fans got a preview of what the two would look like together – drawing angry opponents to them like flies to you-know-what.

"I haven't really been liked anywhere I've been," said Duco. "Usually the home fans like me and the opposing team doesn't.

"If that's the case, I'm doing something out there.""