Winnipeg Jets Look-A-Like Contest: Celebrity Doppelgangers
In this slideshow article, we look at other Winnipeg Jets players and find their celebrity counterparts
Recently, Murat Ates of the Athletic made a startling discovery. On top of his exemplary coverage of the Winnipeg Jets, Murat also dabbles in celebrity look-a-likes. Unbeknownst to many, he reunited long lost siblings – John Cusack and Neil Pionk.
What do they say? Imitation is the sincerest form of flattery? Well, in an effort to co-mingle with real journalists, I found some look-a-likes of my own:
Axel Jonsson-Fjallby and Ethan Hawke
Look-a-like rating (out of 10): This is a strong 9.
Summary: I am very comfortable declaring that Axel Jonsson-Fjallby is a handsome fella, and that might be underselling it a bit. Ethan Hawke – equally handsome. So much so, he was donned the nickname “Handsome Hawke” in this incredible Jimmy Kimmel skit. The resemblance here is striking, and I can’t wait for their buddy-cop action film “Hockey Cop”.
Other Similarities: Both of these gentlemen are underrated. Jonsson-Fjallby has given the Jets 4th line some real legitimacy and has seen his role grow exponentially as the season has progressed. As for Hawke – two words: “Training Day”. Denzel Washington gets the accolades (rightfully) but Ethan was incredible in that film. He too thrives in supporting roles.
On Jonsson-Fjallby: He ranks in the Jets top 7 in Corsi, Fenwick, and Expected Goals for 2022, and his hockey ‘flow’ is second to none. It’s like Brandon Tanev and Thor had a love child.
Cole Perfetti and Jeremy Renner
Look-a-like rating (out of 10): About a 7.
Summary: I am limited by copyright infringement, so a true likeliness of Perfetti that will fortify the comparison can be found here. Hopefully Perfetti can carve himself out a larger role than “Hawkeye” did, as he takes aim at his rookie season.
Other Similarities: One of them fought Vision in Marvel movies, and the other has great vision (low-hanging fruit, I know). Cole Perfetti is an elite playmaker and sees the game in a way that is rare in the NHL.
On Cole Perfetti: He has to work on his skating, but otherwise has fit in nicely with Dubois and Wheeler. I would love to see him paired with Scheifele and Ehlers (when Ehlers returns) to maximize his playmaking, as he and Wheeler have duplicative skill sets at this stage of their careers.
Rutger McGroarty and Shane Doan
Look-a-like rating: This has to be a 10.
Summary: I came across this likeness some time ago, and spent an embarrassing amount of time trying to find some type of genetic lineage between these two. Alas, I found none. A true father and son look-a-like, it almost seems like a shame they are not related.
Other Similarities: This is where things get eerie. Both profile as prototypic power forwards with a scoring touch, and both are heavy on the puck. The Jets would do well to get a career from McGroarty that mirrors that of Doan.
On Rutger McGroarty: Want to know how Rutger is doing thus far this year? We got you covered. Besides having an epic name, Rutger has blossomed in Michigan and can be seen on Twitter pancaking opponents in the neutral zone. The future is bright with this young man.
Kyle Connor and Thom Yorke
Look-a-like rating (out of 10): Solid 8.
Summary: Its easy to chalk this up to similar locks, but there is a real resemblance here. I don’t get the impression that Connor listens to Radiohead, or that Thom watches NHL hockey – so I don’t imagine these two ever crossing paths in any meaningful way. Don’t think for a second however that I won’t pair them up in “Hockey Cop 2: Opposites attract”.
Other Similarities: Both are extremely gifted artists that have struggled recently. Kyle Connor is going through a terrible case of the yips, despite leading the Jets in shots on goal (42). Radiohead, while still prolific, have never regained their popularity from the late 90s. However, you can’t teach the talent that both of them possess at their respective professions.
On Kyle Connor: The 2021 Lady Byng Award winner has played well, but I think is best suited playing with Dubois. Despite Scheifele’s brilliance this year, Dubois’ forecheck and willingness to go to the ‘dirty’ areas mixes well with Connor’s ability to find lanes. Positive regression to the mean is coming for Kyle Connor.
Ville Heinola and Martin Shkreli
Look-a-like rating (out of 10): 6
Summary: I hate to end on my weakest rating, but take away the “Pharmacy Bro” bags under Shkreli’s eyes, and I think we have something. I love Ville Heinola, so this seems unnecessarily punitive on my part, but I do enjoy the likeness.
Other Similarities: Both are involved in criminal activities. It is criminal that Heinola hasn’t been given an extended opportunity to showcase himself at the NHL level, and Shkreli is just a straight-up criminal. Both are in some form of purgatory, yet my feelings on the two men are diametrically opposed.
On Ville Heinola: I covered him recently. If the Jets winning streak continues I don’t see an opportunity for Heinola to make his case for the 6th defensive roster spot. Stay out of trouble Ville.
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Well, how did I do? It’s not an exact science, but definitely a fun exercise. If you have some of your own, please reach out to @AirportLounge55 on Twitter, and let’s get creative
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