It’s almost time for the start of the Winnipeg Jets season. With training camp around the corner, the real fun starts soon. Here’s a look at a couple of highlights on this year’s Jets schedule.
October 16 versus the Calgary Flames
After four straight road games to open up the season, the Jets open up their home schedule by taking on the Calgary Flames. Games against Canadian rivals are always interesting and lively games at the MTS Centre (or just extra lively). The Flames are a fun team to watch and they’ve improved in the off-season with the acquisition of Dougie Hamilton and ex-Jet Michael Frolik. The first of 41 in the Phone Booth should be a good one if you can get your paws on a ticket (third party resale values for tickets are north of $200).
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October 29 versus the Chicago Blackhawks
Jonathan Toews is a legend. Michael Jordan, who is revered in Chicago, didn’t win his first title until he was 27 years old. Toews turned 27 in April and has already captained three Stanley Cup winning teams. Toews is also from Winnipeg and the MTS Centre will be buzzing (or just extra buzzing) for the return of their native son and also to watch the Jets battle the defending Stanley Cup champions and a Central Division opponent. Winnipeg won three of five from the Blackhawks last season.
January 3 against the Anaheim Ducks
Winnipeg Jets fans will be sure to give a warm welcome to the Anaheim Ducks come March. Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports
This early January game is the first of three against the Ducks in the regular season, the team who knocked the Jets out of the playoffs last year. Players on last year’s team certainly won’t have forgotten it and will be happy to send a message to their opponents the first chance they see them. By the way, Anaheim makes one visit to Winnipeg this year, a Sunday matinee on March 20.
January 10 versus the Buffalo Sabres
For Winnipeg fans, it will be their first chance to get a glimpse first hand of highly touted forward Jack Eichel and oh, yeah, it’s Evander Kane’s first game back at the MTS Centre as an opponent since he was traded to Buffalo in February. It’s also Zach Bogosian’s first game back but really, it’s going to be about Kane’s return. The reception Kane receives should be interesting and Jets fans have a colourful history when it comes to making up chants against the Sabres.
Late April versus TBA – First Round Playoff Opponent
It’s mid-August. Let’s be optimistic.