Winnipeg Jets

I’ve been a lifelong Jets fan since I was brought to the games by my dad in the 80’s. He had season tickets shared with a friend since the WHA days. Back then we were 10^th row Center ice behind the then visitors bench. I was crazy watching the skill and goal scoring of Dale Hawerchuck, Teemu Selanne and many others as players came and went. The Jets had some of their best years in the 80’s when the likes of Laurie Boschman, Doug Smail, Brian Mullen, Thomas Steen, Hawerchuck and Paul Maclean set the NHL record in 84 – 85 for having a NHL record of 6 — 30+ goal scorers. Then there was some amazing duos such as Pokey and the bandit.
In the 80’s the Jets had some legendary battles but unfortunately having the Oilers so strong in the Gretzky years they could not advance past the second round of the playoffs. The oilers were way too strong in those years with their stacked team of dynasty players.
In the 90’s my clearest memory is Teemu Selannes rookie goal scoring season. He was so lucky to have Phil Housley feed him so many passes to help him break that record. There was also Alexei Zhahnov, Keith Tkatchuk and a young Nikolai Khabibulin (the bulin wall). Those were some great years as well!
I can remember clearly the loss I felt when they moved to Phoenix in 96. It was horrible for the city of Winnipeg. Like the death of a family member.
Then the feeling of jubilation and excitement when they announced the Atlanta Thrashers would be moving to Winnipeg! At first I didn’t believe it and then it became reality! The Jets 2.0 were reborn!
I’ve been fortunate to have seen two games since rebirth at the MTS Center. Plus have eaten two Jets dogs with perogy bites. Also I’ve been able to see them in Montréal, Toronto and Sunrise Florida. GoJetsGo!

Apparently, after my favourite team, Winnipeg has the 2^nd loudest fans. Ever since they left for Phoenix over a decade ago, the fans have to vent lol.
But what a great hockey city and fans. When the NHL announced a return 5 years ago back here by relocating the struggling Atlanta Thrashers, this will be the 1^st year the Jets be in the playoffs. While being Canadian, sadly the Ducks are the favourites, higher seed and home ice advantage.
Bonus star for sneaking into playoffs on last week of season with your best D-​man, maybe best player, Byufalien (if that’s the right spelling) for being suspended 4 games.
And hats off for trading away Evander Kane, get rid of locker room distractions.
You guys have a terrific captain, Ladd is from North Vancouver.