The Wrap: New spinal program, bike thefts, JoMo’s resto and Ducky’s son takes in a Whiteout

Manitoba is investing $12 million in a program to reduce wait times for consultations and treatment for acute spinal care, Health Minister Uzoma Asagwara announced Tuesday.

The goal is to establish centralized wait lists and co-ordinate care with providers, diagnostic imaging and surgical resources across the province, Asagwara said in a news release.

Winnipeg Police Service statistics show an overall decrease in the number of reported stolen bicycles in recent years — but it’s difficult to gauge whether the drop is due to fewer thefts or fewer people reporting thefts.

The statistical decrease is little comfort to Kevin Glasier, who chased a bike thief out of his garage in a video that’s making the rounds on social media.

A new bicycle registry system approved by Winnipeg’s city council last year is expected to arrive online in the coming weeks, which could help police return recovered bikes to their owners.

Wings, prime rib sliders, chili. It’s not the kind of food a person generally gravitates to while wearing white, but Whiteout party attendees might make an exception during the Winnipeg Jets’ playoff run.

Pub food is part of the menu at The 44, a new kiosk at Hargrave St. Market, a collaboration between local restaurateur Bobby Mottola and Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey.

Dale Hawerchuk and the Winnipeg Jets will forever be linked, and a statue of the late, great “Ducky” that stands outside the downtown rink serves as a permanent reminder.

That deep bond has been re-enforced this week as Hawerchuk’s son, Eric, returned to his birthplace to experience his first “Whiteout.”

Although he heard plenty of stories from his family, nothing could have prepared Eric for what he experienced Sunday night inside Canada Life Centre.

Mike McIntyre talks to Eric about why it’s important to him to maintain connections to Winnipeg.