Vancouver-to-Memphis connection
As the Grizzlies commemorate their Vancouver era, only two employees remain from the group that made the trip south in 2001.
Chantal Hassard and John Pugliese sit together in the stands at FedExForum Dec. 13, 2019, as they did nine years ago. Hassard and Pugliese are the last Grizzlies employees remaining from the Vancouver Grizzlies era. (Patrick Lantrip/Daily Memphian)
Chantal Hassard and John Pugliese were 20-something Vancouverites when the Grizzlies moved to Memphis in 2001. As the franchise celebrates its 25th anniversary, they're now VPs on the team's basketball and business sides, helping build a new era.
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Chris Herrington
Chris Herrington covers the Memphis Grizzlies and writes about Memphis culture, food, and civic life. He lives in the Vollintine-Evergreen neighborhood of Midtown with his wife, two kids, and two dogs.
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