With Canucks season just around the corner, dating experts are advising singles how to use the hockey season to improve a different kind of game -- their dating game.

Paddi Rice, president of Executive Search Dating, told ctvbc.ca that you don't have to be a hockey fan in order to take advantage of the benefits.

"The start of the hockey season is one of the best opportunities to meet people. Guys like to go out and watch hockey and women should take advantage of that," he said.

Rice suggests hanging out in one of the many sports bars and lounges around Vancouver because they provide a laidback atmosphere that is conducive to meeting new people.

"It's not rocket science," he said. "A lot of it is putting yourself in a place where you will meet new people. In Vancouver there are not a million events to get out to in the winter. But hockey provides 82 games over the course of the season."

Rice warns that you don't have to be a hockey expert either.

"You don't have to be a rabid hockey fan. Do a bit of homework and get to know the game. It can be a lot of fun, particularly at the beginning of the season when people are optimistic and the team is undefeated," he said.

Rice says the key to approaching people is to just be yourself and have fun. Dating coach Daniel Packard agrees that it's all about having the right attitude.

"For me the key to being a confident dater is you need to see each person as not something to get but as an opportunity to learn and grow. Like any sports team that uses adversity to become better players," he said.

He suggests going to watch the game at a bar with friends and turning it into a game of its own.

"Make a deal with your friends that if the Canucks win, everyone in the group has to go up to someone and buy them a drink. You have to make things fun and a little over the top in order to get a response. Be adventurous," he said.

Packard encourages people to look outside their comfort zone, especially women.

"Most women feel like if they just sit there, love will come to them. They think they don't have to hustle. Anytime you push someone out of their comfort zone it's a win-win because even if the person says no then at least you went for it. That builds confidence," he said.

Packard says that contrary to popular belief, men love to be pursued.

"The idea that men only like the chase is something that is fabricated by women who are afraid to approach men," he said.

If women would like to test that theory, Packard and Rendezvous Club Productions are holding an event on Oct. 29 called Flirt Fest. There's one rule -- only women can approach men. You can register for the event here

Until then, get out and enjoy some hockey games. By putting yourself in the right place at the right time, maybe the Canucks won't be the only ones to score.