Winnipeg Jets

Winnipeg Jets
Name	Winnipeg Jets
Current	Winnipeg Jets (1972–1996; 2011–present)
Founded	1972 (original), 2011 (relocation of Atlanta Thrashers)
City	Winnipeg, Manitoba
Arena	Canada Life Centre
Conference	Western Conference
Division	Central Division
Owner	True North Sports & Entertainment
General manager	Kevin Cheveldayoff
Head coach	Rick Bowness
Captain	Adam Lowry
Media affiliates	TSN (TSN3), CBC Sports

Winnipeg Jets. The Winnipeg Jets are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg, Manitoba, competing in the National Hockey League (NHL) as a member of the Central Division within the Western Conference. The franchise's history is split between two distinct eras: the original team that played from 1972 to 1996 before relocating to become the Phoenix Coyotes, and the current iteration which began play in 2011 following the relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers. Owned by True North Sports & Entertainment, the Jets play their home games at Canada Life Centre and have developed a passionate fanbase known for creating an intense atmosphere, notably during the "Whiteout" playoff tradition.

History

The original franchise was founded in 1972 as a charter member of the World Hockey Association (WHA), quickly becoming a powerhouse by signing superstar Bobby Hull to a landmark contract. This era was defined by great success, with the team capturing three Avco World Trophies as WHA champions in 1976, 1978, and 1979, led by stars like Anders Hedberg, Ulf Nilsson, and later, the legendary Dale Hawerchuk. Following the WHA-NHL merger in 1979, the team joined the National Hockey League, where it competed for 17 seasons. Financial struggles and the challenges of a small market ultimately led to the franchise's relocation to Phoenix in 1996, where it was renamed the Phoenix Coyotes. The departure left a significant void in the city's sporting landscape until a successful campaign to return the NHL to Winnipeg culminated in 2011.

Franchise history

The modern era began when True North Sports & Entertainment, led by chairman Mark Chipman and David Thomson, purchased the struggling Atlanta Thrashers and moved the club to Winnipeg for the 2011–12 season, reviving the Jets name and logo. This marked the return of the NHL to Manitoba after a 15-year absence. The reborn franchise initially played in the Eastern Conference's Southeast Division before realignment in 2013 moved it to the Western Conference and its current home in the Central Division. Key milestones include securing their first playoff berth in 2015, winning their first division title in 2018, and making a run to the Western Conference Final in 2018, led by core players like Blake Wheeler, Mark Scheifele, and Connor Hellebuyck.

Team information

The team's primary home is the Canada Life Centre, a multi-purpose arena located in downtown Winnipeg that underwent significant renovations prior to the NHL's return. The Jets' visual identity features a stylized fighter jet logo, with their colors being aviation blue, silver, and white, paying homage to the Royal Canadian Air Force history in the region. The club's radio broadcasts are carried on CJOB, while television rights are held by TSN through its regional feed TSN3, with select national broadcasts on CBC Sports during Hockey Night in Canada. The organization's operational and hockey decisions are led by general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, under the ownership umbrella of True North Sports & Entertainment.

Season-by-season record

Since the 2011 relocation, the team has compiled a record of competitive seasons, highlighted by several playoff appearances. The most successful regular season to date was the 2017–18 campaign, where the team finished with a franchise-record 114 points, capturing the Central Division title. That postseason, they advanced to the Western Conference Final, defeating the Minnesota Wild and Nashville Predators before falling to the Vegas Golden Knights. Other notable seasons include a second division title in 2021–22 and consistent contention, largely built upon strong drafting and development of players like Kyle Connor, Josh Morrissey, and Nikolaj Ehlers.

Players and personnel

The current roster is captained by center Adam Lowry, with alternate captains including Josh Morrissey and Mark Scheifele. The core has been defined by elite talent, notably goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, a recipient of the Vezina Trophy, and center Mark Scheifele, a perennial top scorer. The front office, led by general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and head coach Rick Bowness, has emphasized drafting and development, with key selections like Cole Perfetti and Rutger McGroarty. Historically, the franchise retired the number 9 in honor of Bobby Hull, while the original Jets' greats such as Dale Hawerchuk and Teemu Selanne are celebrated in the Hockey Hall of Fame.

Community and culture

The team is deeply embedded in the community, with its fanbase famously creating the "Whiteout" where attendees wear white clothing to playoff games, a tradition originating with the original WHA/NHL team. The Winnipeg Jets Foundation supports numerous local charities focused on health, education, and amateur hockey. The return of the NHL galvanized the city, with True North Sports & Entertainment also playing a pivotal role in the redevelopment of downtown Winnipeg. The Jets' rivalry with the Minnesota Wild is particularly heated, known as the "Battle of the Border," while matches against the Toronto Maple Leafs, Edmonton Oilers, and the franchise's predecessor, the Arizona Coyotes, also carry significant regional and historical weight.

Category:National Hockey League teams Category:Sport in Winnipeg Category:1972 establishments in Manitoba Category:2011 establishments in Manitoba