Stars will be in Jets’ lineup on Tuesday

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This article was published 19/09/2011 (5156 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

It’s a sneak peek, nothing more, nothing less. It means nothing to the standings and, perhaps, may have very little to do with how the Winnipeg Jets’ opening night lineup is shaped.

But make no mistake, Tuesday night’s split-squad preseason game between the Jets and Columbus Blue Jackets at MTS Centre – there is also a game between the two squads at the same time at Nationwide Arena in Ohio – isn’t your average garden-variety contest.

“It’s going to be fun to get everyone in the building and finally start playing some games,” said Jets’ captain Andrew Ladd. “We’ve had a couple of scrimmages, but it’s a little different when you’re scrimmaging against your own guys. It’ll be nice to get going as a team. I’m assuming it’s going to be crazy in here. It’s the fans’ first opportunity to show what they bring to the table and the excitement they have for this team.

“Looking at those two games, myself I’d rather be playing here than in Columbus. It’s a little more excitement for an exhibition game.”

Ladd heads a lineup taking to the ice here in Winnipeg that features 11 players who played at least one game in Atlanta last year and four Manitobans – Troy Bodie of Portage, Winnipeggers Jason Gregoire and Kevin Clark and Shayne Wiebe of Brandon. Among the regulars from last year’s Thrashers club are defencemen Dustin Byfuglien, Zach Bogosian and Mark Stuart, goaltender Ondre Pavelec, winger Nik Antropov and centre Alex Burmistrov.

Also participating will be first-round draft pick Mark Scheifele, who has been so impressive through rookie camp and the first three days of main camp.

The squad playing in Columbus will include Ron Hainsey, Evander Kane, Tanner Glass, Blake Wheeler, Chris Mason and Jim Slater.

“It’s going to be very special,” said Bodie. “I’ve got some family and friends coming and playing in this barn here in Winnipeg is going to be great. I kept (the ticket requests) to a minimum. I told everybody I’d just get a couple for mom and dad and my brother and I’ve got to worry about myself. Not to be too selfish, but I’ve got to prepare.”

Jets’ head coach Claude Noel said Pavelec will start and play two periods in net for the game here in Winnipeg and be replaced by David Aebischer. In Columbus, Mason will start and be relieved by Peter Mannino.

Ed.tait@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @WFPEdTait

 

WINNIPEG JETS ROSTER

(For game at MTS Centre)

1 David Aebischer, G

4 Zach Bogosian, D

5 Mark Stuart, D

8 Alex Burmistrov, F

16 Andrew Ladd, F

20 Troy Bodie, F

24 Janne Pesonen, F

28 Patrice Cormier, F

31 Ondrej Pavelec, G

33 Dustin Byfuglien, D

38 Paul Postma, D

44 Arturs Kulda, D

45 Mark Scheifele, F

49 Ben Maxwell, F

52 Ivan Telegin, F

53 Brett Festerling, D

57 Jason Gregoire, F

76 Shayne Wiebe, F

77 Kevin Clark, F

80 Nik Antropov, F

 

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS ROSTER

(For game at MTS Centre

11 Matt Calvert, F

16 Derick Brassard, F

33 Tomas Kubalik, F

28 Alexandre Giroux, F

36 Ryan Johansen, F

15 Derek Dorsett, F

25 Ryan Russell, F

24 Derek MacKenzie, F

81 Aaron Bogosian, F

34 Dane Byers, F

27 Martin St. Pierre, F

32 Cody Bass, F

10 Kris Russell, D

47 Dalton Prout, D

14 Grant Clitsome, D

48 Cody Goloubef, D

5 Aaron Johnson, D

54 Austin Madaisky, D

30 Curtis Sanford, G

41 Allen York, G