NHL Preseason

The NHL preseason is starting soon and I can’t wait to be watching hockey again! It feels like its been more than a few months since I last watched the greatest sport in the world, but I am already anxious for the games to start.

I believe I have made it quite clear what team I cheer for, but just in case, I’ll remind everyone. I am a die-hard Winnipeg Jets fan. I’ve followed them since they came back to Canada in 2011, hoping for a more successful playoff run soon.

The start of the year is always filled with hope for what the season can bring. I always have high hopes, but they are usually dashed around the halfway mark of the season. 

This year, I will remain optimistic again. The upcoming preseason games on September 24 and 25 against the Edmonton Oilers will be a great way to gauge how the team is looking ahead of the 2023-24 season. 

There was also the Young Stars Classic games against their western Canadian opponents, of which they dropped games against the Oilers and Calgary Flames but stole a win from the Vancouver Canucks.

The last game of the classic was against the Flames, where they lost four to two. 

Winnipeg Jets forward Nikita Chibrikov said they were feeling more comfortable each game in the Young Stars Classic.

“The first game was hard, we had a long flight and lots of travel. I’m getting a better anticipation for the North America speed and style on ice. The second and the third games were not bad for me, I just tried to do my best for the team,” said Chibrikov.

With the Jets’ training camp running from September 21 to October 6, there is still plenty of time to see which young players can crack the roster for the first game of the regular season.

A few Jets prospects are worth keeping an eye on, including Dmonic DiVincentiis. The seventh round pick is currently coming off an OHL Goaltender of the Year performance in 2022-23 with the North Bay Battalion.

Another prospect to look out for is Colby Barlow, the teams 2023 first round pick. The Young Star Classic was his first action in a Jets uniform. 

One Jets player that isn’t new that should be just as fun to watch should be Josh Morrissey. The Jets’ top defenceman had a breakout season in 2022-23, scoring 76 points. 

Another Jets player I am excited to see wear the ‘C’ this season is Adam Lowry, the teams newest captain.Lowry was named captain on September 12.

“When I found out, I was pretty excited, almost a little speechless. It’s something growing up you kind of can dream about and something that seems almost unattainable,” said Lowry.

Lowry has played 621 NHL games accumulating 93 goals, 111 assists for 204 points and adding 335 penalty minutes. He also has 44 career playoff games with nine goals and nine assists.

Morrissey and Mark Scheifele will be remaining  as alternate captains, forming a leadership group of players that have been drafted and developed by the Winnipeg Jets franchise. Scheifele and Lowry were picked in 2011 and Morrissey was picked in 2013.

With the Jets development looking like it has payed off, I can only hope the leadership and skill on the team can propel them into a playoff spot this year. One can only hope and cheer.

Go Jets Go!