I almost screamed when I heard the news: the Winnipeg Jets are just about home!!
The Globe and Mail was reporting last night that a deal had been signed to move the Atlanta Thrashers up to Winnipeg. And while that news might have jumped the gun a little bit with nobody yet confirming the move, that hasn’t stopped Winnipegers cheering anyway (myself included). Dedicated Jets fans gathered at the windiest intersection in Canada – Portage and Main – last night to celebrate the news.
This will be the first time the city has seen an NHL franchise since the Jets left for Phoenix in 1996.
With this news comes the rumours that if the Jets return to Winnipeg, they might not be called the Jets at all. True North Sports and Entertainment, the ones behind the move and the owners of MTS Centre where the “possible” Jets would be playing, are said to have already come up with new possible monikers for the team. Rumours even include the regional portion changing to Manitoba rather than Winnipeg to gain more provincial support. This disappoints many Jets fans, since with the name comes a great history stretching back to the WHA.
According to The Globe and Mail, an announcement will be made Tuesday regarding the Jets return. In the meantime fans will continue to wait with baited breath to see if their team returns home.