Toews throws opening pitch at Wrigley

CHICAGO — Jonathan Toews emerged in a blue Chicago Cubs hat and a home white jersey with pinstripes and No. 46 on the back — an ode to Canadian pitcher Ryan Dempster.

The crowd inside Wrigley Field roared for the former Chicago Blackhawks captain as he made his way to the mound to toss out the ceremonial first pitch on Sunday afternoon before the matinee game against the Washington Nationals.

Toews went through a windup and fired the ball toward the plate, saluting the crowd and pointing to his heart in a show of appreciation before making his way into the seats to enjoy the off-day with his Winnipeg Jets teammates — who face the Blackhawks on Tuesday at United Center.

“You know what, he was joking that he’s more of a hitter than a pitcher,” Jets defenceman Dylan DeMelo said after a well-attended optional skate on Monday. “I’d like to see him get in there (the batter’s box) and swing a little bit. He looks like he’s done it before, that’s for sure. But he said he was pretty nervous up there.”

Toews has done a lot of impressive things in Chicago during his storied career, leading the Blackhawks renaissance that included three Stanley Cups during a five-year span.

Some of those career highlights were shown as Toews made his way onto the mound.

“It was a cool atmosphere, cool to see Toews throw the first pitch.”

“First time at Wrigley, yeah. Haven’t been to a baseball game in a long time, too, so it was a cool atmosphere, cool to see Toews throw the first pitch,” said Jets centre Mark Scheifele. “I don’t think you realize how far away the home plate was from the mound, but I think he did a pretty good job.”

With a rare two-day break between games on this four-game road trip, the Jets were able to enjoy an afternoon of relaxation at the iconic ball park known as the Friendly Confines.

“It was a great day overall,” said DeMelo. “We haven’t had any time to do things together as a team. It’s been game, travel, game, off-day, whatever it is, it’s just been that type of year with the amount of games and the volume we’ve had. I think this was our first two-day break in three weeks.

“It was nice to have a nice sunny day and watch the Cubs play. Everything about the whole day, just hanging out and going for dinner with the guys, that’s the fun stuff about this league. You get to hang out with your teammates, get to know them, share some laughs, and share some memories.”

“That’s the fun stuff about this league. You get to hang out with your teammates, get to know them, share some laughs, and share some memories.”

What were DeMelo’s overall impressions of his first trip to Wrigley Field?

“Wrigley was really cool. Just walking to the stadium was really awesome. You kind of feel the history and the vibe in there,” said DeMelo. “That’s the thing about baseball, every stadium and every ball park are different. I’ve been to a handful and they’re all unique in their own way. But this one, with the history and the old school seats and stuff like that. It was on my bucket list and I’m glad I was there.”

Toews wasn’t the only member of the Jets to receive a warm ovation, as cameras showed U.S. Olympians and gold medal winners Connor Hellebuyck and Kyle Connor on the scoreboard as well.

“(The Cubs) got the two home runs right after it, so we’re going to take a little bit of credit for that,” said Hellebuyck, another first-time visitor to Wrigley.

“I didn’t play any (organized) baseball. In the park with friends and stuff. I just got into fantasy baseball this year, but I’m just trying to learn everything. When they made the rule changes for baseball, I thought it was a lot more enjoyable to watch. I wouldn’t say I’m a new fan, but I’m pretty into it now.”

Most of the healthy Jets were on the ice on Monday for the optional workout, while three players on the road to recovery joined them in non-contact jerseys, including forwards Nino Niederreiter and Vladislav Namestnikov and defenceman Colin Miller.

Meanwhile, there was some encouraging news back in Winnipeg as forward Morgan Barron — who has been in concussion protocol since taking a hard right hand in a fight with Colorado Avalanche defenceman Josh Manson on Thursday — was on the ice at Hockey For All Centre on Monday.

Although a timeline for his return will depend on how the next few days go, there’s a chance Barron could meet the Jets at some point before the road trip is over.

Moose battling

The Jets’ primary affiliate also finds itself in the thick of a playoff chase in the American Hockey League, with the Manitoba Moose closing a four-game road trip on Tuesday against the Toronto Marlies. The club sits in fourth place in the Central Division standings.

The Moose are currently two points behind the Texas Stars, while holding a game in hand, but the club hosts the Milwaukee Admirals next week who are in hot pursuit and just one point back.

Manitoba returns return home for a six-game homestand that includes a weekend set with the Grand Rapids Griffins starting Friday. That will be followed by two-game sets against both the Admirals and Stars.

Moose captain Mason Shaw leads the Moose in points with 37 in 61 games, while Samuel Fagemo leads the team in goals with 17.

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