When the Winnipeg Jets signed Matt Hendricks late in the offseason, it wasn’t necessarily headline news.
Fast forward to the end of the first month of the season, and Matt Hendricks has already become a fan favourite.
HENDRICKS: THE WARRIOR
He’s only played in four games so far this season, but Hendricks has made his presence known. In his first game with the Jets, he played a pivotal role on the penalty kill blocking shots like he received $10,000 per block.
The 36-year-old fears nobody and fears nothing on the ice. He’s the type of player who battles in the corners, puts his body in front of 100 MPH slap shots, and will drop the gloves with anyone. Even friend and current teammate Dustin Byfuglien.
Hendricks got to the NHL by fighting for every second he got on the ice.
Every one of his teammates can look at the grizzled veteran and know he’s going to battle for his teammates like they are his brothers, and that rubs off.
He is the true definition of a warrior. Want some evidence? Watch one of the first HBO Road to the Winter Classic Series that featured the Washington Capitals and Pittsburgh Penguins. Hendricks became a star on the series being stitched up and prompting head coach Bruce Boudreau to tell him “you don’t have to fight every game.”
Over his three and a half seasons with the Edmonton Oilers, the veteran was praised for being a big part of the culture change and even blocked a shot with his manhood.
Warrior.
HENDRICKS: THE LEADER
Matt Hendricks has never worn a “C” in the NHL, but he has worn the “C” for Team USA at the World Championships where he was praised for his leadership abilities.
He wore an “A” in his first season with the Edmonton Oilers only three months into his tenure.
Letters don’t mean everything, but Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Penguins was another example of the veteran’s leadership.
After rookie Brendan Lemieux tipped home a point shot to score his first NHL goal, it was Matt Hendricks who fished the puck out of the net to obtain the keepsake for the NHL rookie.
HENDRICKS: THE HUMAN
While he is loved on the ice, he is loved even more off it. Ask any media members around the league and not one of them has a bad word to say about Hendricks.
The veteran of nine NHL seasons has been a humanitarian in every community he has played for.
Upon his return to Edmonton as a member of the Winnipeg Jets, Hendricks was welcomed back with a video on the jumbotron. He was also praised for his support for the Canadian Military.
“They (America and Canada) go hand in hand. How great they are, with their character,” said Hendricks in an interview with Terry Jones of the Edmonton Sun when asked about his support for the Canadian military.
THE WARRIOR, LEADER, HUMAN AND THE HOCKEY PLAYER
Matt Hendricks did not become an NHL regular until he made the Colorado Avalanche as a 28-year-old.
He has made a career out of being a hard-nosed fourth line winger and centre with a nose for the net and a fearlessness unmatched by many.
While he’s not known for his hands, he does have a beauty of a move dubbed “The Paralyzer”.
Beautiful.
Enjoy him Winnipeg. This could be the swan song for this beauty.