Winnipeg Jets: Ready for Takeoff

The new logos for the Winnipeg Jets.

If there's one thing that I am, it's a big hockey fan. So when I heard the news a few months about the return of NHL hockey to the city of Winnipeg for the first time since 1996, I immediately took note.

The new-look Jets are the former Atlanta Thrashers. The team was moved up north to Winnipeg from Atlanta during the summer, and many of the players are excited about playing in a city where the fans will actually appreciate the team. Season tickets for the Jets' inagural season were gobbled up in record time by Winnipeggers, and who can blame them? Never would the Thrashers received that much attention.

I used to joke that the Thrashers had about six diehard fans or something like that. Indeed, whenever I saw Atlanta's home games on television, there were, as the Montreal sports writers say, "a lot of fans disguised as empty seats" sitting in the stands.

But True North Sports and Entertainment, the new owners of the team, were determined to drum up interest in the team, a strategy that ended up working better than they had ever imagined. Winnipeg residents were deeply saddened when their team moved south to Phoenix for the 1996-97 NHL season, and they were determined to have professional hockey return to their city one day.

Not only am I a big hockey fan, I'm also a very patriotic Canadian. As a Montrealer, I am devoted to my hometown Habs, but when it was announced that the NHL was returning to Winnipeg for the upcoming season, I was happy. Now, Canada will have seven teams, each with their own passionate fanbase.

I will be watching as the Jets take off from the landing strip and into full flight. When the Jets hold their home opener on October 9th against the Canadiens, I'll definitely be cheering for ther Habs, but part of me will be cheering for the Jets at well.

Boy, I can't wait for the puck to drop. This is going to be a very interesting hockey season, ladies and gentlemen. Please fasten your seatbelts, place your seats in the upright position, and prepare to drop the puck.