The NHL return to Winnipeg, Good and Bad

in 1997, the NHL saw fit to relocate the Winnipeg Jets to sunny Phoenix, Arizona. The move crushed the dreams of Jets fans across Manitoba, the Canadian province located smack dab in the heartland of Canada, a distant locale known for it's booming economy based on finance, manufacturing and agriculture. Winnipeg has quickly become one of the fastest growing economic cities in Canada, and is also known for it's sunny disposition. The city has had a recent boom in the arts as well, with several recent additions, Le Cercle Moliere the oldest theatre company in Canada has moved into new digs and several festivals create a hearty, festive community atmosphere.

The Atlanta Thrashers were a marketing disaster and thus have flown north to Winnipeg on the heels of a dedicated, persistent takeover by True North and it's very credible leader, Mark Chipman. Chipman guided the former AHL Manitoba Moose into a brand new arena several years back, a long with a revitilized downtown Winnipeg, the fans flocked to Moose games and made Winnipeg a viable, credible destination for professional hockey. Billionaire David Thompson is also a part of the True North group that backed this surprising move and with that ushered in a new era for the NHL in Canada's heartland.

With the announcement that the NHL had agreed to the sale the new Jets ownership created the "Drive to 13,000" which was an instant success; having 8,000 people sign up for tickets in a mere 2 hours.

The Jets future looks bright on the ice as well, with young stars Evander Kane, Zach Bogosian and Dustin Byfuglien. The club has recently added several hometown players in an effort to further connect with Manitobans. like Derek Meech for example.

The problems for the future of this club are exactly the same problems they faced in 1996-1997. Can the Jets remain competitive financially with American teams as well as other Canadian clubs in larger markets. The Jets will play in front of ravenous fans for sure, but the sustainability will depend on the strength of the Canadian dollar, their ability to attract free agents to a somewhat isolated market and their "small arena". MTS Centre can house 15,015 fans which is by far the smallest arena, next to Nassau Coliseum which checks in at 16,234. True North seem extremely committed, well funded and let's face it, excited to be in the NHL.

There is no doubt the Jets will have momentum for several years early on, and the only key to the survival of hockey in Winnipeg this time is creative, dedicated ownership that will do whatever it takes to keep the team there, where it belongs.