Winnipeg Jets

The Winnipeg Jets are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg, Manitoba. Competing in the Central Division of the Western Conference, the Jets represent one of the most passionate and resilient markets in the National Hockey League. 

The franchise is a unique entity in sports history: it is the "second iteration" of the Jets, having relocated to the city in 2011 after a 15-year absence of NHL hockey. They are known for their deep blue "Aviator" jerseys and a fan base that pioneered the famous "Whiteout." 

Moreover, the Jets have become a symbol of civic pride and a perennial contender in the Western Conference.

Where Do the Winnipeg Jets Play?

The Winnipeg Jets play their home games at the Canada Life Centre, located in the heart of downtown Winnipeg. Opened in 2004 as the MTS Centre, the arena was originally built to replace the aging Winnipeg Arena. The arena also hosts the AHL's Manitoba Moose.

Since the Jets' arrival in 2011, it has gained a reputation as one of the loudest buildings in the league.

With a capacity of approximately 15,321 for hockey, it is one of the smallest permanent arenas in the NHL. However, what it lacks in size, it more than makes up for in atmosphere. 

The arena is connected to Winnipeg's extensive skywalk system. It allows fans to travel to games without ever stepping into the city's legendary winter cold. 

Inside, the "True North" chant is shouted by fans during the Canadian national anthem. It serves as a nightly tribute to the ownership group that brought the team back.

History of the Team

The current Winnipeg Jets franchise began its life as the Atlanta Thrashers, an expansion team that started play in 1999. After twelve seasons in Georgia with limited on-ice success, the team was purchased by True North Sports & Entertainment. They moved to Winnipeg for the 2011-2012 season. 

The return of the Jets name was a direct response to public outcry. They reinstated the team name in honor of the original Jets franchise that played in the city from 1972 to 1996 before moving to Arizona.

The "Jets 2.0" era has been defined by a philosophy of drafting and developing talent. This patient approach paid off in 2018 when the team reached the Western Conference Finals, the deepest playoff run in franchise history. 

Most recently, the Jets reached a new milestone by winning the 2025 Presidents' Trophy, finishing the regular season with the best record in the NHL.

Interesting Facts & Team Milestones

• The Name Origin: The name "Jets" originally paid homage to the Royal Canadian Air Force, which has a major headquarters in Winnipeg.
• The Whiteout: A tradition dating back to 1987, fans wear all white during home playoff games to create a blizzard-like visual effect. This scene is now one of the most iconic sights in hockey.
• The 2025 Hart Trophy: In 2025, Connor Hellebuyck became the first goaltender in franchise history to win the Hart Memorial Trophy as league MVP. Hellebuyck was also the first goaltender  in the NHL since 2015 to win.
• The Draft Foundation: Mark Scheifele was the first-ever draft pick of the relocated Jets in 2011. This selection laid the groundwork for the team's modern core.

Notable Players

Connor Hellebuyck

Hellebuyck is the greatest goaltender in franchise history. He is a three-time Vezina Trophy winner (2020, 2024, 2025) and the 2025 Hart Trophy winner. Hellebuyck has been the backbone of the Jets' success, often carrying the team through difficult defensive stretches with elite, calm play.

Mark Scheifele

The first draft pick of the Winnipeg era, Scheifele is the franchise's all-time leading goal scorer. As a top-tier center and alternate captain, his offensive consistency and dedication to the city have made him the definitive face of the "2.0" Jets.

Blake Wheeler

A former captain who spent over a decade with the franchise, Wheeler is the all-time leader in games played, assists, and points. His powerful skating and elite playmaking helped transform the Jets from a struggling relocation project into a league powerhouse.

Ilya Kovalchuk

Though he never played in Winnipeg, Kovalchuk is a vital part of the franchise's history from its time in Atlanta. One of the most dynamic snipers of the 2000s, he won the Rocket Richard Trophy in 2004. Additionally, Kovalchuk still holds several of the franchise's offensive records.

Dustin Byfuglien

"Big Buff" was a unique force of nature on the blueline. A massive defenseman with high-end offensive skill, he was the emotional heart of the team during their 2018 run. 

Byfuglien also remains one of the most feared physical players to ever play for the Jets.

Notable Coaches

Paul Maurice (2014-2021)

Maurice is the longest-tenured coach in the Winnipeg era. With over 300 wins for the franchise, he was responsible for overseeing the team's transition from a rebuilding squad to a Western Conference finalist in 2018.

Rick Bowness (2022-2024)

A veteran bench boss, Bowness returned to Winnipeg (having coached the original Jets in the 80s) to stabilize the team's defensive culture. His tenure saw a significant resurgence in the team's performance, leading to back-to-back playoff appearances before his retirement.

Scott Arniel (2024-Present)

After serving as an associate coach, Arniel took the reins in 2024. In his first full season, he led the Jets to their first-ever Presidents' Trophy in 2025. He orchestrated the most statistically successful regular season in the history of the franchise.

Still Here?

Stay updated with the latest NHL action with Betting News!