Issue link: http://publications.winnipegfreepress.com/i/63468
Hustler and Lawless A SEASON TO REMEMBER BY GARY LAWLESS WINNIPEG, THIS WILL ALWAYS BE REMEMBERED AS THE YEAR WE GOT THE JETS BACK. No, the team didn't reach the playoffs and there was no Stanley Cup parade, but still, there was so much hockey joy as the NHL returned to our Prairie town. Here's a look at some of the highlights: 1. On May 31, 2011, Mark Chipman announces he's bought the Atlanta Thrashers and is moving the NHL franchise to Winnipeg. 2. In early June, Chipman introduces Kevin Cheveldayoff as the no-name team's GM. 3. The 'Jets' name returns as Chipman introduces Cheveldayoff at the NHL Draft on June 24 to make a selection … on behalf of the "Winnipeg Jets. " The crowd goes wild. 4. Cheveldayoff takes Mark Scheifele as the club's first draft pick. 5. Claude Noel is hired to be the team's new coach at the NHL Draft. 6. In an elaborate production at 17 Wing in August, the Jets' new jerseys are unveiled. 7. Players begin to filter into Winnipeg as summer nears an end, to skate together at MTS Iceplex. 8. Training camp, and Winnipeggers get their first look at what their team will look like. 9. The NHL descends upon Winnipeg for the league's opening weekend and NHL Faceoff is held at the Forks. 10. On October 9, NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, Mark Chipman and Jets' co-owner David Thomson step on to the ice and drop the first puck on Winnipeg's first NHL season since the Jets left in 1996. 11. The Montreal Canadiens try to spoil the party and win the game, but no one lets it ruin our best hockey day in a very long time. 12. Nik Antropov scores the first goal in our new NHL history. FOR HOCKEY FANS IN 13. Winnipeg establishes itself as one of the loudest crowds in the NHL. Players from other teams marvel at the support. 14. Former Jet Teemu Selanne returns to Winnipeg with his Anaheim Ducks for a game on Dec. 17 in an emotional weekend for Jets fans and Teemu. 15. The Jets get hot and climb into first place in the Southeast Division in February, 2012, and folks begin to hope for a playoff spot. 16. The ride up top is shortlived; the Jets slip slowly down the stretch and finally are eliminated. 17. On April 3, Evander Kane scores his 30th goal and shows fans the potential in this young group of players. 18. The Jets return home for their final game of the season on April 7 and though they are treated to a fantastic ovation, they can't get the job done as Steven Stamkos pops his 60th of the season and the Tampa Bay Lightning beat the home side. 19. Near season's end, in perhaps the most significant piece of news all season, Mark Chipman announces the Jets will not be eligible for revenue sharing. Winnipeg is not a market that needs subsidies and can stand on its own two feet in the NHL. 20. Spring time and the Jets are gone, but not for long. They'll be back in the fall. This hockey story has just begun. Gary.lawless@freepress.mb.ca