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December 31 - T. McMartin (Edmonton,
Alberta)
You've got a killer website. I want the Jets to
comeback and consider their leaving - as well as the
Nords - one of the
saddest eras of hockey. The Avs worked out (only because
they were handed a
contender after Quebec suffered for years of terrible
teams) but can someone
seriously convince me that the Coyotes are doing better
than the Jets did.
No freakin way.
I'm from Edmonton and Rexall is not even close to as
nice an arena is as the
MTS Center but we can pack close to 17,000 a night in
there and even then
there is talk of building a new arena because: 1.) Rexall
is old and 2.)
It's Small - the corridors are tiny, bathrooms small,
and we need more
larger boxes, plus more seats would be nice. any Canadian
city can sell out
a 18,000 seat arena.
I know 15,000 sold out a night is better than 8,000
a night in St. Louis for
sure but if you could pack 18,000 a night or more, would
there be interest
of expansion of the arena - like another deck, maybe
a nosebleed section.
Anyway, I'm sure in the end though it doesn't matter
if you expanded. Like
you said, "A bad hockey market with a 20,000 seat
arena is still a bad
hockey market."
Precisely. MTSC can add suites, which is key high level income. But as far as being 18,000 seats...marketing 101 tells me that you need a constant supply-and-demand mentality that keeps every seat occupied for any team that comes to town, therefore justifying the ticket price that a seat costs to the person buying it.
December 24 - A. Avila (Vancouver,
BC)
I'm a proud former Pegger and now in Vancouver. I was
there to watch the Jets' last ever home game as well
as the Jets' last playoff against Detroit. But I've
been following up your awesome website. I always wear
my Jets jersey everytime Phoenix is in town. But this
picture was taken from my trip in Anaheim at the Honda
centre and to let everyone know, a lot of people were
asking me where I got my jersey from. I can't believe
how many Jets supporters were at that game. So I felt
good that I decided to bring my jersey along and wear
it while watching Teemu Selanne, Randy Carlisle, and
the rest of the Ducks beat the Coyotes on November 3.
Anyways, keep up the good work and us fellow Jets supporters
in Vancouver are eagerly awaiting for the return of
the Jets!
Can't wait to hate the 'Nucks
again! Note: please see Wear
in the World section for a photo of Arnel at the
game.
December 21 - T. Pallone (Fort McMurray,
Alberta)
With all the talk about the Pens relocating, I decided
to surf the net and find out what Winnipeggers thought
of this and what our chances are. I came across your
site…just wanted to say good job on that, and you make
some great points. Getting an NHL team is of course
priority 1, but can you imagine landing the soon to
be dynasty penguins? All I am is a fan of the game,
unfortunately I don’t know all that much about the business
side of things. From what I do know however, I’m sure
the NHL could thrive under the new structure in the
Peg.
Myself, like your friend…moved to Alberta 2 years ago
for work but I can tell you right now that I would be
back in a heartbeat if we secured an NHL team. I haven’t
had a favorite hockey team in 10 years now, I find myself
cheering for the individuals now…I have been following
Crosby since I first read about him many years ago.
I’d like to follow him right to the MTS Center next
October.
Keep up the good work man, and keep in mind that myself
and a friend are wondering how to get something started
to put Winnipeg center stage, and shake these other
4 cities that are currently in the running.
I sincerely feel that Winnipeg
is now known around the league as the
premier spot to place a team. Yes, there are others
with deeper pockets and larger arenas, but what does
that have to do with the success of a franchise? According
to history...absolutely nothing.
October 6 - D. Ouimet (?)
When I first heard that the Pens were bought by a Canadian
I thought "GREAT!"
Then I see CBC news at 6pm today and they're talking
that Hamilton might get the Pens if the Pittsburgh doesn't
build them a new arena! They didn't even mention Winnipeg!
Back the truck up!
Since when was Hamilton all of sudden next in line?
Who are these yahoos running CBC in Toronto that don't
even give us a mention? Wow, I'm insulted after all
we have done as a city to showcase our city's support
for the NHL's return and now we're not even on the radar
screen.
I'm right pissed. Thanks for listening though, I needed
to vent.
Go ahead...vent. I get it all
the time. I do it myself, usually off the screen. As
for Hamilton, Copps isn't suitable as an NHL arena.
Plus they have other hurdles to hop outside the arena
issue.
October 5 - N. Vermette (Victoria,
BC)
Like you, I'm a Winnipegger (originally that is). I
left Winnipeg 17 years ago and my heart broke when the
Jets moved. I've lived in Victoria, BC for 12 years
now. Although I return to the 'Peg every now and again,
I've never really thought of returning permanently.
Until I saw your web site. I basically just want to
say that you've put in alot of work into this and my
hat's off to you. Very impressive! I hope that some
day(soon) you will see your dream realize. All the best!
I am looking forward in catching some NHL games some
day in Winnipeg. Go Jets Go!! Thanks for keeping this
dream alive!!!
So much support from transplanted
Winnipeggers. Come back!!
October 3 - A.V. (Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania)
I am a die hard Pittsburgh Pengiuins fan (my e-mail
adress is actually in homage of their farm teams) and
at this point even I think the Pens should move to Winnipeg
(as long as you let me keep my farm team). Penguins
fans (all 20 of us) don't seem to care about our team,
or our talent or hockey for that matter. Super Mario
tried his best to remind Penguin fans of our former
glory, hell we made it to the playoffs over 10 years
running, and have hit a little skid, and everyone leaves.
I think the the Peg deserves the team more the the Burgh
as much as this pains me. I love Pittsburgh, its an
amazing city, but its fans only care about the Steelers
and anyone who is winning. Candian Football is a better
product, and Winnipeg is a (far) better hockey town.
May the Penguins rest in Winnipeg, amen.
A bold statement for sure. I
say lets keep the Pens in Pittsburgh and have Winnipeg
grab a team that resides in a city that has no business
with professional hockey.
September 30 - D. Siemens (Montreal,
Quebec)
Absolutely outstanding job on the site and the effort
you are putting into doing something so wonderful for
Winnipeg. I am a Winnipeg native, but have been living
in Montreal for the past 10 years (came for school,
fell in love...). I do not know if I will ever move
back to Winnipeg, but it is something I always keep
in my mind. Only time will tell. However I am an enthusiastic
supporter of this campaign.
I still love the Jet Fuel idea.
Fort Garry Brewing will have to take a look at that
when the time comes.
September 22 - Steve (Sudbury, Ontario)
I've been a huge supporter of your campaign for the
return of the Jets for many years now. The Winnipeg
Jets need to be back in the NHL, especially now with
the salary cap, new arena, the Canadian dollar, to name
of a few.
The City and the fans deserve it. MTS Centre is a magnificient
arena. Anyway, I'm just an Oiler fan in Sudbury, Ontario.
But, if the Jets would ever get their team back, I would
definitely go and watch a game.
Its all about playoff WHITEOUT hockey. Go Jets Go.
Keep up the good work!
That certainly extends our catchment
area! My band once stopped in Garson for a gig en route
to Toronto. That's no short haul.
September 21 - Gord (Calgary, Alberta)
I heard you on the Fan960 in Calgary earlier this week...great
job with the interview. Keep up the good work and I
have my fingers crossed that the NHL will return to
Winnipeg one day soon.
Thanks! I can hardly keep up
with the radio time I've dedicated. I appreciate every
opportunity to spread the cause and clear up some misconceptions.
September 19 - B. Gonchar (Cochrane,
AB)
I've been watching jetsowner.com since late 2003 or
so. Keep up the good work and positive attitude!
Born and raised in Winnipeg, I can't wait to see the
day when the reborn Jets or whatever they would be called,
return to where major pro hockey belongs. The recent
success of the Oilers/Coyotes pre-season sell-out at
MTS Centre must be an indication. I've lived in Calgary
for about 5 yrs or so. I've gone to many Flames and
Hitmen games here. I've played hockey since I was about
5, and I still play to this day. I watch a lot of hockey,
too. I can say that I am a real hockey fan.
I can tell you, the presence of the NHL certainly gives
Calgary that extra spice, and Winnipeg is not the same
without that NHL experience. Winnipeg needs to absolutely
seize the NHL opportunity when it comes. (Penguins???)
My question to you is where is the ownership group/investors
chasing this cause? The reason I ask is:
Today, some guys at work mentioned to me that Hamilton
has an investor group involved in talks with the Penguins
sale. Honestly, I wanted to vomit when I heard this.
If you know anything about this, please let me know.
If there is an ownership group in Winnipeg that is chasing
the return of the NHL cause, please let me know, so
I can correct these co-workers (they are convinced Hamilton
is better suited for a franchise than Winnipeg). Trust
me, I need to correct them with an educated argument.
If you feel that the investor/ownership group information
is confidential and do not wish to share it, I will
understand. Again, I'm not trying to be negative. But,
for the NHL to return to Winnipeg, there needs to be
a legitimate ownership/investor group aggressively pursuing
this cause. I personally think that the NHL would be
highly successful in Winnipeg with an Edmonton-style
ownership scenario (30+ owners). Also, the Calgary Flames
situation, where about 12 individual investors own&manage
the Flames, Hitmen and Saddledome. It works well. Its
been very difficult to get Flames tickets since 2004,
and the Saddledome holds about 19,200. I'm positive
that a similar set-up would work in Winnipeg.
I have read your website from top to bottom, so I don't
want to repeat anything or ask any silly questions you
may have already answered. I would be interested in
any of your feedback.
Sometimes the underground route
is much more effective, besides, it is a compliment
to Winnipeg that we don't even have to use the media
to 'rah, rah' ourselves. We're automatically mentioned
when NHL relocation comes up.
August 2 - K. Neufeld (Brisbane, Australia)
My name is Ken Neufeld. I am a former Winnipeger now
living in Brisbane Australia since 1990. As a kid growing
up in Winnipeg I grew to love the Jets. I was too young
to understand the brilliance of Bobby Hull but I certainly
appreciated the likes of Dale Hawerchuk, Randy Carlyle,
Thomas Steen etc.
When I left Winnipeg for Australia the one thing I missed
the most (other than family and friends) was the hockey.
The first time that I returned to Winnipeg in winter
was 1994, the year of the strike. It killed me being
there without being able to see the Jets. To rub salt
in the wound the strike ended a few days after we left
for home. The next time we made a winter trip to Winnipeg,
the Jets had already left.
I vividly remember the debates in the late 1980's about
whether Winnipeg could support an NHL team. I always
felt that the people saying that the Jets should go
never took the total financial picture into account
and certainly didn't take into account the pride that
the Jets brought to the good people of Winnipeg.
In the years following I read from time to time about
the new sunbelt teams. Anyone with any sense could see
that these teams could not and would not last. It would
make far more sense to have a few NHL teams in Finland
or Sweden than in Phoenix or Dallas.
I wish you well in your efforts. I am bringing my family
back to Winnipeg this Christmas. The best gift of all
would be to hear that you have been successful in your
campaign.
Just great to hear you take
trips to Winnipeg in the winter!
July 6 - I. Hend (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
I just wanted to say THANK YOU for putting together
this campaign. I was born and raised in Winnipeg and
was (and still am) a die hard Jets fan. I'll turn 32
this year and fondly remeber the 80's wars in the Smythe
Division and of course the dreaded and annoying and
unfair end of the team. I went to so many games in 1995-96
including all playoffs and, yes, I stormed the ice after
the very end. I like to think we the fans single handedly
got that last season due to the Grassroots campaign
in Spring 1995.
Anyways...since 1999 I've lived in Calgary. I cannot
and will not cheer for the Flames in this city of "fans"
who cheer only when its convenient. Five years ago you
couldn't give away Flames tickets, but when they accidentally
went to the 7th game of the finals in 2004 people started
up again and last season you couldnt get a ticket. My
point is, that we as Jet fans ALWAYS supported the team
no matter what. We were just lucky to have them and
never ever took them for granted. No we never won anything,
but so what..they were OUR team!!!!
When they left 10 years ago, I never ever thought we'd
get a new Arena or any major hockey team again, but
low and behold, MTS Centre, salary cap, etc. When I
heard the Pens and Predators were "interested"
I almost fainted.
So I wanted to say Thank you for keeping the dream
alive!
Winnipeg fans erupted when a
mere offside call wasn't made. We knew the game inside
and out.
June 21- J. Krestanowich (Winnipeg,
Manitoba)
I've been reading your site for a while. I'd like to
say that it's a very well done site that explains how
and why we can get an NHL team back in Winnipeg. It
also does a great job of selling Winnipeg itself, which
is what is needed in this city. Not the usual inferiority
complexes and doom and gloom that seems to grip this
city regularly. Keep up the good work with the site
and GO JETS GO
From the horses mouth. Nice
to hear someone else vouch for the actual attendance
that these teams are drawing.
June 20- A. Girardi (Winter Park,
Florida)
I live in Winter Park, Florida though I am originally
from New York. The hockey in this state is in shambles.
No one really cares about the two teams down here (Lightning
& Panthers). The Panthers have never made money,
and have only have one year where they haven't sucked.
The Lightning only drew little more than 4k in attendance
during the year they did well. But now with the lockout
and a return from the massive fever dream of the year
before it, the Lightning are just trying to not suck
as bad as the Panthers. Both teams are massively overshadowed
by the NBA. All the fans down here are bandwagon losers.
My bet is that one (if not both teams) will fold or
move, hopefully to Winnipeg. This state is the prime
example of your theory that raw population does not
mean a team will make money, you need real hockey fans.
I know that Winnipeg will make more money in one year
than Tampa or Sunrise (where the Panthers play) has
in the teams entire existence.
From the horses mouth. Nice
to hear someone else vouch for the actual attendance
that these teams are drawing.
June 19 - A. Neufeld (Winkler, Manitoba)
I, like many others, am not impressed with our government's
decision to spend more than 2 million dollars on a "brand"
that very few people understand. If we, residents of
Manitoba, don't get the point, how will it attract non-residents,
tourists and investors here?
I am convinced that the return of an NHL team to Winnipeg
would really change the attitude of many people. Winnipeg
would again be seen as a city that is dynamic and alive!
Our young people would have a reason to stay here. It
would bring a huge amount of excitement here - just
like hockey has ignited the people in Edmonton. We are
great at talking and paying people to do things for
us. It's time that our leaders (politicians and business
folk) actually do something for us. Many of us would
be willing to do our part too - just like we did when
the Jets were threatening to leave several years ago.
I really believe that there would be a fresh now spirit
and a dynamic new optimism in this city and province
if some our leaders would declare themselves really
willing to help bring our team home - not for political
or selfish reasons - but because we love our province
and want to do something to make it a better place also
for future generations.
I was glad Scott Oak asked our Prime Minister about
Winnipeg's future in the NHL. If Mr. Harper really cares
about Winnipeg, he could make a personal donation to
bring the Jets back, he though he might be reluctant
to commit government funds. We need concrete evidence
that people care.
Keep up the good work!
No argument from me. I've been
preaching this for years. Less talk , more action!
May 26- W. McMillan (Vancouver, BC)
I was re-reading your April 28 posting and I liked
your analogy to a blizzard. It seems to me that a lot
of Winnipeggers confuse surviving with thriving. That
may explain the sorry state of this city, which I could
go on about forever. It should suffice to say that I
work downtown and when there’s not a concert, it’s a
ghost town after 6:00. One great city indeed. It’s the
people who are happy to say that Winnipeg has ‘survived’
the departure of the Jets that lack any vision whatsoever
and the reason why I, like so many other young professionals,
am packing my bags and leaving (in my case, Vancouver).
When we get the Jets I’ll have to fly back for the home
opener and playoffs. Best of luck, Darren! Unfortunately,
a lot of people with your vision (myself included) have
decided to take their ball and leave and let the CJOB-minded
people of Winnipeg live in their sub-par city that they
are apparently quite happy with. You’re a better man
than I, Darren.
We are too often our own worst
enemies. There pros and cons to living in any city...lets
add one more pro to the list!
May 23- C. Hutchison (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
It kinda says alot when you ask someone who's gonna
win the stanly this year and get the answer of "The
Jets." Being an hour away from Brandon for May
long weekend and seeing people wearing Jet jersys while
watching the playoff says a lot. I remember when I too
lived outside good ol Winterpeg and drove an hour to
see my beloved Jets play. All the time as a kid, my
radio beside my bed would play the sound of the radio
broadcaster giving the play by play on the jets game.
Many of times I was scorned for jumping out of bed and
jumping around when the jets scored. I now live in Winnipeg
and its easy to know, our winter months lack a major
thing. A bit of Winnipeg left when the jets did, and
its gonna always be there. But the good news is this.
I did not move to Winnipeg to be in a jet-less town.
We have a new arena, we have the jet crazed fans that
remember the screaming, the yelling and the white outs.
I moved to Winnipeg to be in a WINNIPEG JETS TOWN !!!
Cause if theres two things Winnipeg does right, its
being the Slurpee Capital, and having the damn best
fans in the world.
Keep up the awsome work on the site. I support you
500% !
People tend to forget about
those who drove in from outside the city. There were
many of you.
May 10- C. Bodley (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Your website is fantastic. Very comprehensive and
a great read. I just plowed through it at work here
prior to heading off on the road. Nice work!
Pass it on to those you meet
on that road!
May 1 -R. Hosein (Chicago, Illinois)
When I first looked at the website (3 years ago, I
think) I sent a message saying that I thought it was
a total non-issue. Three years ago, I felt that the
economics of hockey and the world in general would not
support the NHL's return to the 'Peg. Now, I must say
that I feel totally different. With the new CBA agreement
in place, the economics league-wide make it more feasible.
We have a state-of-the-art arena in Winnipeg, and most
importantly, the dollar
just crested over .90 US (the highest since the 80s).
All of a sudden everything is in place ... except for
a team. With the agreement in place, it should be easy
to poach a team from another market. . Keep the fight
up, I actually believe it's possible now. All we need
is to find a team.
One more believer on board!
April 30 - P. Ferrell (Buffalo, New
York) - www.thesportsroadtrip.com
Just wandered by your site as I haven't seen it in
a while.
Nice work!
Hopefully the dreams of Winnipegers, and to an extent
any real true blue hockey fan that respects traditional
hockey markets over wealthy places that couldn't tell
a red line from a tan line will come true.
Thanks for visiting again Peter.
Sabres vs. Jets one day soon!
April 19 - C. Cameron (Southern Georgia)
I'm absolutely assured that you don't remember me,
but I use to email during the lockout. I haven't checked
the page in a while, sorry. Anyway the new site is exactly
what we needed. It adds such prestige and professionalism
to our cause. Congratulations and thank you so much
for all of your hard work. I've kind of fallen out of
hockey a bit because ESPN dropped the NHL so I don't
get to watch it that much. I MISS IT!!
No coverage equals no interest.
April 18 - G. Gilbert (Winnipeg, Manitoba)
Every few months I check in on your site to see the
latest. I just spent an hour there tonight. It reminds
me of what we have lost. One of the most memorable times
in my life after 14 years of season tickets watching
the Jets play, was to watch them go. That was so heart
wrenching.
We need a NHL team back in Winnipeg.
I travel a lot with my company, mostly to the USA.
I’m in Minneapolis right now actually. I go frequently
to Miami, Nashville, and Atlanta, among other questionable
southern ‘hockey cities’. The average guy there doesn’t
even know the name of the team. Nashville is the worst.
That is NOT a hockey town.
The southern experiment has
certainly failed. It's only a matter of time.
April 15 - L. Perreault (Kelowna,
BC)
I am a former Winnipeger. I now live in Kelowna, B.C.
Used to always go to Winnipeg Jets games. Was a very
disappointed when they sold their franchise. I think
its a shame that a city like Winnipeg does not have
a hockey franchise. My son was an Oilers fan and we
used to watch the playoffs with pompoms and all. What
a rival and what fun!!!. Hope you are successful in
bringing back the Jets. Of course I had favorite players.
And now they are playing in other leagues. So sad.
Bring the rivalry back too!
March 22 - J. Carlisle (Winnipeg,
Manitoba)
I love the site, been following it since you started
it. Me and some friends were in Atlanta last weekend
took in 2 Thashers games and there were maybe 10,000
in the place both nights.
Yet more proof of the lies told
by "official" attendance figures.
March 20 - D. Pederson (East Grand
Forks, Minnesota)
I was reading around your site just thought I'd throw
out another tidbit that may help. I saw the explination
of population in and around Winnipeg and how many people
would love to support hockey. Don't forget that hockey
fans don't stop at the Border. I, for one, living in
East Grand Forks, MN would have an easier time getting
to a Jets game only 2.4 hours away than I would going
to St Paul for a Wild game (over 5 hours). I would guess
that a lot of other people in northern North Dakota
and northern Minnnesota would also feel the same way.
Keep up the good work. I hope we can see something magical
happen!
See rant below. Good to hear
of another "southern" supporter! Winnipeg has been flooded
with college kids from North Dakota, Minnesota and even
Iowa the past two weeks (drinking age is 18 here). Imagine
adding a Jets game to the normal pastime of chasing
Canadian girls (or guys) all week. Icing on the cake!
Although it is tough to beat Whitey's on a Monday night!
March 13 - J. Reichert (Minneapolis-St.
Paul, Minnesota)
First of all, we share support for the same NFL team,
our beloved Denver Broncos. Good to see you're a person
who knows how to stick with a team through thick and
thin...I've always maintained that there are no bandwagon
Bronco fans.
Then there's the real subject of this: The return of
the Winnipeg Jets. I live in the Twin Cities, we've
felt your pain, and also are Exhibit A for what happens
when a REAL hockey market gets an NHL team back. I'm
sure you are well aware of the blowaway box office success
of the Minnesota Wild. The return of the Jets can do
the same for downtown Winnipeg that the Wild have done
for downtown St. Paul: Get people downtown, and get
people who will stay there and turn the place into a
nightly destination for six months of the year. St.
Paul has literally been transformed from a place where
the sidewalks roll up at 500pm to one where bars are
rollicking and rolling well after the end of the game.
And you already have the venue in place to do it as
the MTS Centre could well rival the Xcel Energy Center.
When you equated the market area to that of the Broncos
you were right on the nose....Winnipeg actually is the
hub city for a VERY large market area. The Broncos have
fans in cities all the way from Albuquerque to Billings
to Rapid City to Salt Lake City. Can you imagine Jets
fans in Fargo, ND; Kenora, Ontario; and Regina? If they
played their cards right, that would be no pipe dream.
You're taking what is supposedly a market of 700,000
fans and doubling that pretty quick. And it would be
1.4 million HOCKEY fans--no bells, whistles, loud music,
or extra arena trappings required. Just the hockey.
Great job on the website...pulling for you here in
Minnesota
This e-mail makes far too much
sense. I love when an ENTIRE e-mail makes this much
sense from start to finish! It is exactly what I have
been trying to get across to so many people. There is
no doubt that a re-born NHL team in Winnipeg must be
marketed much differently and with a much broader scope
than the Winnipeg Jets of the past ever were. Hey, the
reference to the mighty Orange & Blue doesn't hurt
either! Can't wait for those bus packages to see the
Vikes (yuk!) and the Wild vs. Jets!
March 1 - N. Pankiw (Perth, Ontario)
Just wanted to say great work on the new site. I was
a Jets fan back in the early and mid 1990s and it was
a sad day when they moved to Phoenix. I lived in Winnipeg
when I was younger and currently live outside Ottawa,
and everybody here agrees that there should be NHL hockey
in Winnipeg. Everytime I where my Jets jersey either
around town or to a Senators game, I get so many compliments
and people saying "they will be back soon".
Keep up the great work, and I look forward to returning
to Winnipeg to see a Jets game every year. It is a fact:
Winnipeg is deserves the NHL. GO JETS GO!
Indeed that is a fact. Now we
have to make sure that we make it clear that's what
we want!
February 28 - J. Vielfaure (Winnipeg,
Manitoba)
I just wanted to not only thank you for everything
you've done these past few years but I also wanted to
tell you how amazing the new site looks. All the new
sections, the new look and the store is just amazing
and I give you and the crew who created the site two
big thumbs up for your work and effort on this project.
I've been following your campaign for quite sometime
now ever since my friend told me about it in July of
2003 about a month after you launched it and I have
also written you a rant or two and I have also showed
up to a few rallies organised by you of course. I just
wanted to say on behalf of all us supporters of this
campaign a big thanks for what you've made this campaign.
You have shown most of the city that with dreams annything
can come true and after everything that has happened
things are certainly heading that direction. Even with
all the critics and the naysayers, you kept going and
look at what you have done. Now i know the job is not
done but even if we must wait a little longer I still
think that without this campaign we'd never be in this
position so for the last time I give you thanks and
also keep up the good work because I garantee you that
once this team comes back many fans like me will look
up at you as the main reason why the Jets came back.
Thanks Darren, thanks for everything!
I hope it serves everyone well.
I will pass the kudos on the crew. I certainly won't
be the main reason the Jets come back but if I helped
at all I'll feel good about that and just get in line
for my tickets like everyone else.
February 19 - B. Bunnell (Toronto,
Ontario)
I just found your site off google.com. and I must say
I love it. I found it very informative and encouraging.
I always had 3 teams grownig up, my hometown Maple Leafs,
the Penguins, and the Jets. Anyways, listening to the
American League All Star Game somehow sparked a renewed
love for the Jets, hense how I found your site. I thought
the Jets moving to Phoenix of all places was a true
smack in the face, not only to Jet fans, but hockey
in general. Only the joke moves of the Whale and the
North Stars rivaled it. Also, if Winnie does get NHL
hockey back, and Phoenix wont give up the Jets name,
I was thinking they could go with the winnipeg Falcons.
to pay tribute to one of the great teams of early hockey
history.
If we're at the point of worrying
about what to call the team, I'm excited! Lets just
get there. Glad you had a great warm flashback of the
good 'ol days.
February 12 - M. Simon
(Chamber of Commerce, Neepawa, Manitoba)
Just finished reviewing the site, AWESOME! My wife
and I were just talking the other day about how our
son (and I) cried the day they announced the Jets were
leaving. I’ll do the same the day they return. Their
return will definitely be in part to the efforts you
have put forth.
I would suggest you attempt to broaden your scope to
include Manitoban’s living outside of Winnipeg. There
is little doubt the team is the “Winnipeg” Jets, but
we folk living in rural Manitoba supported and would
support a new franchise just the same. That adds another
400,000 potential attendees to those future sell-outs!
The future Jets’ real fan market is over 1 million people,
not including North Dakotans or western Ontarians!
Thanks for everything you are doing. We’ll stand by
with our support and look forward to success.
A very good point and one that
is hammered home in the new website due to launch on
March 1st! The new Jets need to be marketed outside
the Perimeter Highway. Fringe communities, large Manitoba
towns and even bordering states and provinces need to
be drawn into adopting the Jets as their team. Support
spins off in many ways from that, whether it be attending
games or just buying merchandise. Example: because of
their geography the Denver Broncos have the full backing
of Cheyenne, Wyoming and Albuquerque, New Mexico along
with other surrounding towns and cities that aren't
even in Colorado. Smart marketing. Well said.
February 2 - S. Hoeppner (British
Columbia)
I just checked your site and the news about site updates
and the ownership group starting to materialize are
all very encouraging. I can't commend you more for the
work you're doing. I encourage you to keep on going
- someday this dream will be a reality.
As I was reading your news section about the new site
and t-shirts, the thought came to me that wouldn't it
be great if you could get Don Cherry involved somehow?
He might even wear one of your shirts on Coach's Corner.
If you had a tie made up for him, it would be pretty
much an automatic. I think Ron McLean is a big believer
in Winnipeg as well.
Anyway, love seeing how things are coming together.
I agree the Penguins may not be our team - too much
politics - but there may be another like Washington
or Florida that wants out.
I wish you continued success, and don't let the naysayers
get to you.
They won't get to me. If they
did I'd have quit after day two. You're right, there
are many more teams on the brink. We've waited 10 years,
I'm sure we can wait a little longer.
January 30 - J. Cinq-Mars (Winnipeg,
Manitoba)
Hockey needs to be in Winnipeg. Attitude is everything.
Life is, and always will be, 10% what happens to you
and 90% how you react to it...essentially attitude.
I am very disgusted with the number of Winnipeggers
who seem to only flap their mouths when they have something
negative to say. I think you put it best on in your
website...the only obstacles Winnipeg faces regarding
an NHL franchise returning to this awesome hockey town,
are here in Winnipeg. Winnipeggers are too small town
for their own good. What happened to having a dream
or thinking big. I, for one, prefer to have MY city
progress and move forward, THINK BIG. Look at the crying
and whining that took place when Sam Katz tried to get
funding for the ball park. Every half-wit with vocal
cords screamed from their respective soap boxes that
"Winnipeg does not need a ball diamond", "It
will never sustain itself". Where are those people
now? I am sure they pouted somewhere because the ball
diamond sold out every game and they expanded. Why?
Because of the very same vision you speak of: Mr. Katz
has vision and thinks big! Those same cry babies quickly
jumped on the "Winnipeg doesn't need a new arena
bandwagon" or the "Preserve old buildings
crew". Needless to say the MTS Centre is an incredible
facility and has been very successful. I am not sure
when Winnipeggers will stop complaining about progress
and learn that change is good. Being stagnant is not
healthy for anyone. And for those people out there who
honestly believe there is no money in Winnipeg...wake
up and actually learn about your city. Winnipeg has
PLENTY of money to support an NHL team. Hasn't anyone
heard about the real estate market???? The people buying
the million dollar houses are doing so with MONEY! And
I suppose the real estate agents of the city are doing
well to! That is only one industry. Wake up Winnipeg.
Be proud of Winnipeg and just once try thinking positive!
You will be a healthier person for it. And for those
of you who truly believe the NHL will never come back.......please
just ignore us and let us DREAM.........because we believe!
Listen up negative 'Peggers!
In fact, read this rant again and again until it sinks
in.
January 19 - M. Luis (Toronto, Ontario)
I just came across your site. Good to see the Jets
are alive somewhere.
Now that Pitsburgh is up for sale .... officialy, hopefully
by the end of this season Winnipeg will get it's team
back, and they will be called the Jets.
Whatever they're called...lets
just get 'em back! Pittsburgh could be more tricky than
we think. Time will tell.
January 5, 2006 - D. Hostler (Dallas,
Texas)
I have been a hockey fan since 1995 (when I was 10
and introduced to the Dallas Stars) and am dedicated
to my hockey. I was able to glimpse the Winnipeg Jets
very briefly as they knocked out the Dallas Stars for
the 8th playoff spot in 1996. Though I was slight disappointed
I rooted for Winnipeg because they were facing the hated
Red Wings who took out my team a year earlier. When
I learned that Winnipeg was moving to Phoenix I at first
thought it was a good idea because that meant more expansion
for the south. Until here last year I found I was wrong.
Winnipeg was dedicated, they need a hockey team. They
need the Jets. I am ashamed that Arizona has a hockey
team that has produced no great amount of success. At
least with Dallas we wanted a team and we have continued
success here.
I saw your page and support your cause. I would love
to see a Jets game because I've read about the intensity
and the feeling that comes in the game. The energy is
just there and I would love to experience that ambience.
I am all for Winnipeg getting a hockey team back.
Good to know the youth from
the Lonestar State is on board! Dallas has certainly
proved to be a success. There's no debating that. Your
team is safe.
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