Jets fans flock to see franchise’s future

There’s no off-season for Winnipeg Jets enthusiasts.

Fans of all ages have made their way to the Hockey For All Centre to watch Jets development camp this week to scope out the franchise’s future prospects and/or have merchandise signed. Even on a Thursday morning, Winnipeggers filled the stands to see what is up and coming for their beloved team.

Phil Mahoney brought his son Sawyer to the rink decked out in Jets and Manitoba Moose gear to show their support for the organization every day this week.

“Here to check out the prospects and see what’s coming up the pipeline. My son really likes hockey so I just love bringing him on,” Mahoney said. “It’s always a good time coming here. I’m a big Jets fan, always have been.”

Mahoney said it’s important to have the experience be no cost and easily accessible for all. It’s a chance to see what the next season will bring, but also for his son to engage with his role models.

“Just to see the smile on my kid’s face, seeing the players take time to show the fans what they’re about instead of just walking past. It’s nice to see them stop and say, ‘I’ll sign your hat. I’ll sign your jersey,’” Mahoney said.

Both father and son have been able to get autographs and pictures with their new favourite players.

“I love the fact that a lot of them take the time to sign the kids jerseys,” Mahoney added.

Sawyer’s message was loud and clear while lining up to see the players: “Go Jets Go!”

Another longtime fan, David Derkson, enjoys coming to the rink to see what the new generation of the franchise is looking like.

“I’m enjoying the speed. It’s fun to see the energy and the enthusiasm,” Derkson said.

His hope is the team will continue to transition to younger players and build for the future.

“I’m hoping they make it,” he said of the prospects joining the higher leagues.

Many came out to see Viggo Bjorck — the club’s first round pick. And the eighth overall selection seemed to have impressed the crowd.

“They got a bit of a lottery ticket with him,” Jets fan Brent Hawryluk said.

Hawryluk lucked out having his vacation week line up with development camp, being able to spend his off days watching his favourite team.

“Good to see the guys back on the ice again and see the crowd, the fans and the kids loving getting autographs,” Hawryluk said. “They’re all competing, showing the management what they can do. I think it’s good for the team culture and orientation.”

Like most, Hawryluk noted the speed and agility on the ice.

“They’re a lot better than I am,” Hawryluk chuckled.

But he is hoping the Jets can wipe the slate clean this off-season and move forward.

“I think they’re all motivated to show that last year was a bit of a blip on the radar,” Hawryluk said. “They need to bounce back from what they had last year to more of what we saw the previous two years.”

For retiree Rich Garlinski, his message on the upcoming season was simple: “Optimistic.” He saw the talent on the ice and how these new prospects are ready to make waves in pro hockey.

Jett Lajoie, a 19-year-old left winger, has had a surreal experience being invited to this camp. The born and raised Winnipegger plays for the WHL’s Prince George Cougars but is excited to be training in his hometown with the fandom now looking in his direction.

“It’s such a grind and I love it. I’ve been to all the Whiteout games and it’s just unreal. I’m speechless right now,” Lajoie said.

For someone who has been a die-hard fan of Adam Lowry, being on the same side of the glass with the club’s captain means dreams are coming true.

“I have a picture of me and my sister at a game. I keep looking at that picture and then at my situation, it’s just awesome,” he said. “Just focus on this year, my development and keep pushing to be better every day.”

The Jets director of player development Jimmy Roy has encouraged every player to simply have fun.

“This isn’t an on-ice evaluation. It’s more an opportunity to come in, get comfortable with the trainers, get comfortable in front of the fans (and) meet people,” Roy said.

He emphasized that this week has not only been about training, but also exploring the city and making connections throughout the team.

“There’s a lot of great die-hard Winnipeg Jets fans out there and they follow us hard,” Roy said.

“For them to be able to see that, I think it’s an important part of how this city treats our players and how passionate they are about our organization.”

sports@freepress.mb.ca