It’s been a while since they have seen NHL game action, but alumni for the Winnipeg Jets are excited to once again take the ice at Canada Life Centre and be back in front of the fans. “One of the special parts about here is the fan base, the community and how much they support the team. So for us to be able to reengage with them, it’s going to be a lot of fun,” said Andrew Ladd. Ladd is one of a handful of former Jets players that will suit up in the alumni game against the Montreal Canadiens. The former Jets captain said it’s special to be back in the dressing room with so many familiar faces and former teammates. He is also loving the chance to be back in Winnipeg, a place he called home for six seasons. “Spent a lot of time here. Kids were born here,” said Ladd. “Life goes by pretty quick. So to have these moments to check in on people and see where they’re at is pretty special.” Another former captain in Blake Wheeler is also amped up to be back on Winnipeg ice and play in front of the hometown crowd. “These people mean so much to obviously this organization. But I think all the guys that had the privilege of playing here know what it feels like and it’s one of the more special and unique environments in pro sports. The people just are so encouraging and behind us and anytime you get a chance to experience it, it’s great to get back into it,” said Wheeler. It was a blast from the past at the morning skate as Wheeler, Ladd and Bryan Little let muscle memory kick in, and the trio once again formed a line like they did so many times during their playing days. “There is something to that. You just kind of see the stick and you know where it’s coming, how the puck comes off a stick and chemistry is a funny thing.” An alumni game wouldn’t be complete without arguably one of the most beloved Jets players in recent memory. Dustin Byfuglien has made his return to Winnipeg. His first time hitting the ice in Winnipeg since the 2018-19 season. Unlike players like Ladd and Wheeler, Byfuglien never got his send-off as he abruptly retired. Speaking to media Saturday, he said the combo of injuries and wanting to focus more on his family is why he chose to step away. He mentioned he wouldn’t change how it ended and he hasn’t missed playing hockey. However, Winnipeg and the fans still are special to him, just as he is special to the Jets community. “The nerves will get going again. I mean, it’s an honour, it’s a privilege to be liked like that by a city,” said Byfuglien. He was also asked why Winnipeg was his final stop to play in his career. “All my stuff was already here,” he joked. “No, it was just close to home. I grew up just two hours away. The lakes are right here. The outdoor life was here for me. Once I had my daughter, it was just kind of fit, and I just never seen a reason to leave.” Since retiring, Byfuglien has been focused on fishing, and he said he’s coaching his kids’ hockey. His former teammates are happy he decided to come out for the alumni game and are excited to see him be welcomed back by the city. “He’s such an infectious personality and I was fortunate enough to play with him for eight years or so,” said Ladd. “It’s an opportunity for the fan base to reengage with someone like him, who obviously is a big part of creating the success here and culture and environment that everybody gets to speak to. So anytime we get to watch that guy on the ice, it’s a lot of fun.” The alumni game will get going at 6:30 p.m. The hockey festivities this weekend will culminate Sunday evening for the Heritage Classic between the Jets and Canadiens at 6 p.m. at Princess Auto Stadium.
