Hockey riots in Vancouver

A shamed Vancouver faced a huge cleanup and mounting security questions Thursday after hockey fans set parts of downtown ablaze and clashed with police, leaving hundreds injured or arrested in Canada's worst riots in years, AFP reported.

The city in normally sedate western Canada was calm but in a state of shock Thursday, after hooligans including supporters of the Vancouver Canucks poured into the streets to torch cars and loot several stores.

As the Canucks' dream of winning Canada's first NHL championship in 18 years collapsed in a 4-0 thrashing by the visiting Boston Bruins late Wednesday, the city was plunged into dangerous chaos for several hours.

Injuries included at least 12 stabbings, falls, head trauma and tear gas exposure, St. Paul's hospital spokesman Shaf Hussain said, noting 130 people went to the emergency unit at St. Paul's while scores showed up at other hospitals.

Vancouver Police Chief Constable Jim Chu said nine officers were injured, including "some officers that suffered human bites."

More than 100 people were arrested, said Chu, who promised to mete out tough justice to the "criminals, anarchists and thugs bent on destruction."