Excitement rises as Winnipeg Jets take on Chicago Blackhawks in home opener

The wait is finally over for Jets fans. The excitement is building as fans get ready for the 2024 home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks.

Despite last season’s disappointing first-round exit, fans CityNews spoke to said they’re leaving that in the past, and have high hopes for their team this season after watching Wednesday night’s 6-0 blowout against the Edmonton Oilers.

The Jets will be looking to build off that victory in front of their home crowd tonight, and in his first season as head coach here’s what Scott Arniel has to say ahead of tonight’s matchup.

“We gotta come home and build on a lot of the good things that we did obviously, that team game I thought was real good throughout that game, and we gotta do it again, you know it’s our opener, little distractions at the beginning and then we gotta make sure that were ready to go when that puck drops,” said Arniel.

In Wednesday’s victory over the Oilers, Jets left-winger Kyle Connor made NHL history, scoring a goal in his seventh consecutive season opener and he’s confident the team will continue to make strides this year.

“The results in the playoffs haven’t been the way we liked, but you know 52 wins last year, and getting the chance to play in there, you know we’re going to learn, we’re going to grow as a group and were confident in the team we have,” said Connor.

With large crowds expected to pour into Winnipeg’s downtown for events held at Canada Life Centre, Inspector Helen Peters highlighted the Winnipeg Police Services safety strategy in the area.

“We want fans and family and people to know, we want the information, we want you to share with us, we want you to connect with us, not later after the event, but during the events, all of those things are super important,” said Peters.

The Jets are still on the hunt for their first Stanley Cup in program history, and fans we spoke to are confident the team will be back in the playoffs this year.

“The first game against Edmonton the other night, they looked awesome, they looked like they had great chemistry, they looked like they were having fun, so if the dressing rooms solid I think they have a good chance,” said one Jets fan.

Another said, “I just fell in love with it like ten years ago, got my Grandma interested, and we just travel, and it’s just fun to watch.”

“We’re committed to play a good strong team defensive game, so I’m going to give them about 100 points, and yes they’ll make the playoffs,” said Joe Pascucci, a former sportscaster.

A long season ahead, but with a strong defense backed by Connor Hellebuyck, and the offense proving itself in game one, there’s lots to look forward to for Jets fans.