In a very short while, Winnipeg Jets co-owner and True North Sports & Entertainment CEO Mark Chipman has gained respect of the National Hockey League's Board of Governors very quickly it would seem. It's no surprise though. Chipman's patience, humility, influence and intelligence got him where he is today. A successful business and family man. Those very virtues listed above, through time diligence also got Chipman TNSE the MTS Centre built. It got him the experience and know-how as a professional hockey team owner that gave him multiple Executive of the Year awards in the American Hockey League, franchise financial success and respect and admiration from other owners in the league, including AHL league commissioner Dave Andrews; which ultimately led Chipman, TNSE and the city of Winnipeg back to the NHL.
The owners like Chipman. His players do too. Is there any mystery then as to why he was selected to be one of six owners to sit down and talk to the players to try and bring some major progress to the CBA negotiations? There shouldn't be.
The Winnipeg Free Press's Gary Lawless has a article on Chipman's new found stature in the NHL.
Don't be surprised before too long, when the Jets have great success both on and off the ice and Chipman is the talk of the NHL in terms of being a league power broker and whiz kid. Heck, he may even be added to the Manitoba Hockey Hall of Fame under the builders category on the walls of his own building in downtown Winnipeg while he still actively owns the team.
