Anything is possible, say Jets fans

By: Bill Redekop Posted: 4:39 PM CDT Saturday, Apr. 11, 2015

Anything can happen in the first round.

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Anything can happen in the first round.

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Hey there, time traveller!
This article was published 11/04/2015 (3900 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Anything can happen in the first round.

That’s what Winnipeg Jets supporters were saying about the home team’s playoff chances as fans headed into the final game of the regular season against the Calgary Flames on Saturday.

“They’ve got the adrenalin, they’ve got the momentum, and they’ve got the entire city behind them,” said Elvira Stoesz, who attended the matinee game. “Never mind the city, the entire country is behind them.”

TREVOR HAGAN/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS
Kazwel Levandoski and his son, Zaiden, 13 months, at the Jets game.
for Bill Redekop Streeter at Winnipeg Jets game, Saturday, April 11, 2015. — TREVOR HAGAN/WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Kazwel Levandoski and his son, Zaiden, 13 months, at the Jets game. for Bill Redekop Streeter at Winnipeg Jets game, Saturday, April 11, 2015.

“I absolutely think they have a good chance,” piped in husband, David Stoesz. “This is the first round. Anything can happen.”

The barometer on excitement surrounding the Jets’ first playoff appearance since 1996 keeps rising.

“We have a four-year-old who comes in with his dad and they buy those hockey card packs that are $1 each,” said Mike Bergmann, proprietor of Lower Level Sports Cards and Collectibles, on Henderson Highway. “Every time he opens a pack and gets a Jet, he announces it to the entire store.”

Bergmann said there’s a run on Jets playing cards right now, particularly rookie cards — often the most valuable — for players Adam Lowry, Jacob Trouba, and Mark Scheifele. Bergmann expects the heightened sales will continue as long as the team’s playoff run.

At the MTS Centre, some fans were treating Saturday’s game as a dress rehearsal for the “white out” expected at the first Jets home game. Bob Payea was wearing his Jets 1.0 whiteout Jets sweater. “It’s the first time its been worn,” he said, of the sweater he bought 19 years ago.

Does he have an expectations for the underdog Jets other than make a playoff appearance, have a cup of coffee, and book their tee-off times after the first round?

“I don’t think it matters that much who they play because the way they’re playing, they could go. The Jets could be scary,” said Payea, 68. “They’re playing too good.”

Matt Pilbeam, 31, and son Dawson, 8, were also decked out in white. “I cheer for Byfuglien,” said Dawson, referring to No. 33, Dustin Byfuglien.

“I think they’ve got a really good chance,” said Dad. “We’ve got big lines and in a long series they can wear teams down.”

“I think they could go to the second or third round,” said Kazwel Levandoski, 30, whose son Zaiden, 13 months, was about to experience his first hockey game Saturday.

Elvira and David Stoesz said the playoff appearance is further testament to the vitality the team has brought to the city’s downtown. On a recent night, “even with the 15,000 at the MTS Centre,” there were also full houses were at the Concert Hall, for musical the Book of Mormon, and Pantages Playhouse for blues musician Colin James.

Card shop owner Bergmann said it’s surprising how people coming into the store aren’t just talking about the players, but also general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff and owner Mark Chipman. “People are very appreciative of what they’ve done,” said Bergmann.

bill.redekop@freepress.mb.ca