Well, it was bound to happen and I'm not just talking about the triumphant return of the Winnipeg Jets. I'm referring to of course about me finally putting up a Winnipeg Jets blog. I know, I know there are many out there, but this isn't really a new Jets "news" site (well, kinda) it's more of my usual rants and opinions about one of my favorite, life-long obsessions. It's funny that I haven't had one up before now, seeing as how I'm supposed to be this huge Jets fan and all...since birth. Well, that's not true. But since at least I was 10.
There are no words to describe what the return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg means to that community and to me personally. The return of the name "Jets" is also a big deal because only those who grew up a Jets fan would know why that name was the only real option to name the team. It doesn't matter that the "history" of Winnipeg Jets Version One is in Phoenix. The history of that Winnipeg professional hockey club that played at the old Winnipeg Arena between 1972 and 1996 is still what resonates in southern Manitoba. The new Jets are simply an extension of that. Would I have accepted the team with another name. Of course. It would take a while to get used to it and I'd have to finally lay the Jets to rest. But I don't have to,'cause they're back!
Here's the equation. Is it the same "franchise?" Technically, no because that "franchise" is in Phoenix. Is it the same "team?" Well, obviously not. There's no Teemu Selanne, no Kieth Tkachuck, no Alexei Zhamnov. Is it the Winnipeg Jets? Yes, because we say it is!
15 agonizing years later...
The confirmation with the official announcement...
Or I could have just ran this I guess.
