Bryan Little celebrated by Jets

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This article was published 20/10/2024 (350 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Bryan Little never really felt comfortable as the centre of attention, but the opportunity to be saluted for his services was something he won’t soon forget.

The longtime Winnipeg Jets centre signed a one-day contract with the organization before officially retiring on Sunday.

Little met with the media and took a stroll down memory lane before suiting up in full gear for a surprise lap on the ice with current members of the Jets before he was honoured and took part in a ceremonial faceoff with Pittsburgh Penguins captain Sidney Crosby.

“That was so cool,” said Little, when asked what it was like to be in a Jets’ uniform for the first time since suffering a head injury in a game against the New Jersey Devils on Nov. 5, 2019.

The near-capacity crowd at Canada Life Centre roared when Little came out of the tunnel and those inside the building continued to show appreciation as a highlight video from Little’s career was shown on the scoreboard.

“The only team I’ve played for. And I owe a lot to them,” said Little. “This isn’t just where I worked. The people around here were my family and my friends. A lot of the best memories that I have playing hockey were with this team and in this city and in front of these fans.”

When asked for some of his favourite memories with the Jets, Little referenced the first exhibition game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Although Little wasn’t in the lineup, he said the reaction of the hometown crowd gave him and his teammates a glimpse of what playing in Winnipeg was going to be like.

“Coming from Atlanta, where it was a whole different (situation), we were struggling to get people in the arena and playing in front of six or seven thousand people,” said Little. “To come play in a Canadian city where the fans and the city are so passionate about hockey and about the Jets, that’s what every player dreams of. You want to play in that atmosphere.”

Little also recalled suiting up in the first regular season game against the Montreal Canadiens in 2011 and the first playoff game in Jets 2.0 history against the Anaheim Ducks in 2015.

Another magical memory occurred at Mosaic Stadium in Regina in late October of 2019 when he delivered the overtime winner against the Calgary Flames in the Heritage Classic.

“That one was really special because I didn’t get to play in the outdoor game here in Winnipeg and I was pretty disappointed with that,” said Little. “To get to be a part of that and score the OT winner and have my family there to see it, that was really special. And I got a bunch of great pictures from that game too. It’s something I will always remember.”

Technically, Little ended his career as a member of the Arizona Coyotes, as his contract was dealt to the desert in March 2021 to help the organization get out of long term injured reserve.

Little’s willingness to waive his no-movement clause to help the Jets was another of the many selfless acts.

“We did have to ask him for something to help us in that regard. He graciously did it,” said Jets general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, who won a Calder Cup with the Chicago Wolves with Little’s help in 2008. “It just showed again he was willing to give another assist any time he could.”

Little was the consummate professional and became a fan favourite before even suiting up in a game with the Jets because he decided to change from the No. 10 he wore with the Atlanta Thrashers, knowing that Dale Hawerchuk made the number famous during the early stages of his Hall of Fame career.

Little centred the Jets’ top line with Blake Wheeler and captain Andrew Ladd upon his arrival and he became part of the fabric of the organization.

“Just the way he goes about his business. He was never looking for the limelight,” said Cheveldayoff. “He was one of those unsung guys that would do anything. He gave everything he had for the team before himself. That’s what made him a real special individual.”

In many ways, Little was the conscience of the team.

Whether things were going well or if the Jets were going through a rough patch, Little was willing to provide insight on what he saw.

The 12th overall pick of the Thrashers in the 2006 NHL Draft was a productive player and remains second in franchise history for games played (843) and third in assists (304) and fourth in points (521).

“He doesn’t know everyone in this room, but we did the best (we could) to make him feel like he was at home,” said Jets right-winger Mason Appleton. “I can’t say enough about who he is as a person. He was a great pro here for a long time. He was someone that we all learned from — no matter if you were a young guy, an old guy or a coach, it didn’t matter. (Little) did everything the right way, every single day.”

Although it’s been a few years since Little made the decision to stop playing, he was emotional when asked about coming to terms with the choice after seeking multiple second opinions.

“It was really difficult. It was one of those things that, at the end of the day, you think a decision like that and your health would be easy. It wasn’t,” said Little. “It’s all I ever really had known growing up and playing hockey my whole life. I had to think more about my future and my health when I’m older. My family as well. I was seeing so many people, I think I was just searching for someone to say it’s OK and it’s safe. I could never really find that. It was tough, but I don’t regret making that decision now.”

Little has found an outlet for his competitive juices in the sport of triathlon.

“Canadian winter is coming up, so it’s a long break now until next year. I’m surprised more guys don’t do that,” said Little. “It keeps me busy and it keeps me in shape. It’s a lot of fun.”

Little left the door open to get involved in the game down the road.

“Hockey was such a big part of my life and I’ve enjoyed being away for a little bit,” said Little. “I think in the future it would be nice to get back into the game in some capacity. I’m not sure what.”

ken.wiebe@freepress.mb.ca

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