Jets’ first-rounders put in some overtime

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This article was published 09/07/2023 (823 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The final group photo had been taken. The majority of players had left the rink. Winnipeg Jets development camp was officially over.

Except, that is, for a handful skaters, led by first-rounders and new best friends Rutger McGroarty and Colby Barlow who continued to work on their craft Saturday afternoon at the former Iceplex. They clearly didn’t want to say goodbye, putting in some overtime to entertain the fans.

“I think we both had a blast,” Barlow told the Free Press when asked whether he or McGroarty had more fun during the week. “I think everybody did. It was a great camp for everybody to learn and get to know each other. I made a lot of new friendships. It feels like I’ve known these guys for 10 years. I’ve been here for six days. It was a great time.”

Indeed, the joy level was high as 17 drafted prospects and 10 free agent invites went through a series of on-ice workouts and off-ice education and team bonding sessions, including multiple dinners, an escape room and a Goldeyes game. It was a chance to get to know the organization, the city and each other while working on their skills and taking home plenty of valuable lessons to work on.

The biggest takeaway? The connections that were made. Not just between players such as McGroarty and Barlow, who would be right at home in a Hollywood buddy comedy. But between the Jets and the community.

We may look back one day at the past week being one of the most important of the 2.0 era.

Hundreds of autographs and selfies were taken, and numerous players could be heard personally thanking fans young and old for coming out as they stopped to socialize with the masses at the end of the daily sessions. No doubt countless memories were made on both sides of the equation.

It was a great big love-in, the kind of which hasn’t been experienced around here for many years, perhaps since the early years of the NHL’s return to this hockey-crazed market.

‘They spend their time to come watch us play and practice throughout this entire week. They’re the backbone of this,” said Barlow, who may only be 18 but comes across as wise beyond his years. You can see why the high-scoring power forward with the Owen Sound attack, taken 18th-overall by Winnipeg last month, is the reigning Ontario Hockey League scholastic player of the year.

“It’s special to see them, and the smile you can put on their faces. It’s super important to give everybody the time of day.”

It couldn’t have come at a better time for the Jets.

You’ve likely noticed it hasn’t exactly been sunshine and rainbows around the team in the past few years. Winnipeg has just one playoff series victory in the past five years, along with plenty of mid and/or late-season meltdowns which have driven not one, not two but three different coaches up the wall.

You have players such as Pierre-Luc Dubois wanting out of here as quickly as possible, with rumblings that another couple cornerstone pieces in Connor Hellebuyck and Mark Scheifele could soon be joining him.

The global pandemic hit hard, and uninspired play at times hasn’t helped the bottom line either. Approximately 1,300 seats per game sat empty on average last season, which triggered an aggressive advertising and marketing campaign this summer to try and get back some of what’s been lost. Problem is, fans may not be entirely sure just what they’re being asked to invest in.

Now? Not only do the Jets seem to have an impressive group of quality hockey players in the pipeline. But rock-solid human beings, too, who genuinely seem to appreciate being part of the organization and all the responsibilities that come with it, including dealing with fans (and media).

The feeling is likely mutual, and it didn’t go unnoticed that Jets co-owner Mark Chipman was often watching on — no doubt with great pride — as these young men mingled with the public. It’s the type of public relations that money can’t buy.

Jimmy Roy, the director of player development for the Jets, got the party started with his powerful “we’re all family” speech to the young players, which spread like wildfire on social media once it was shared by the team. (who clearly recognize a good thing when they see it and were wise to take advantage of it all week, giving some of the personable prospects plenty of online face time).

“That’s what builds relationships. It’s an important part of hockey, what happens in the locker room, trust and respect. I just think relationships are really important for players,” Roy told the media.

McGroarty, who many see as a future NHL captain, led the way, from his opening-day comments about how “we’re all going to be best friends one day” to the massive smile that never seemed to leave his face. Players gravitated to him, and he clearly went out of his way to make everyone feel welcome. That was clearly appreciated by a number of European players such as Fabian Wagner, who are just getting used to life across the pond.

“It helped very much,” said the 19-year-old from Sweden, who was selected in the sixth round of the 2022 draft. “Team building and off-ice is really good.”

McGroarty was given the rock star treatment by fans, and you’re likely going to see a tidal wave of jerseys bearing his name on the back at Canada Life Centre once the 19-year-old turns pro, likely after this coming season at the University of Michigan which will include another appearance at the World Juniors.

“That’s who I am as a person. Just getting out there, saying Hi and taking pictures, whatever the community needs. It’s awesome,” said McGroarty.

There’s no question Winnipeg has made it a priority to target skilled players with high character and big personalities in recent years. No, you can’t clone current core pieces like Josh Morrissey, Adam Lowry, Cole Perfetti and Brenden Dillon, but you can certainly try to find others with similar traits.

In addition to McGroarty and Barlow, you can add the likes of Logan Neaton (2019), Tyrel Bauer (2020), Domenic DiVincentiis (2022), and Thomas Milic (2023), who were all part of that extended session on Saturday, including making sure every fan who wanted an autograph and/or photo didn’t go home disappointed. Chaz Lucius (2021), Nikita Chibrikov (2021), Brad Lambert (2022), Elias Salomonsson (2022) and Zach Nehring (2023) also impressed at camp and could eventually become household names and fan favourites, too.

Time will ultimately tell if this next wave of talent can get it done on the ice. But, based on what we just saw, they’re already winning big in the community.

The future appears to be bright. And in more ways than one.

mike.mcintyre@freepress.mb.ca

Twitter: @mikemcintyrewpg