WINNIPEG, Manitoba – It was party on in Winnipeg all weekend and of course it was game day too. The opponent was the much hated Montreal Canadians.
The Powerhouse on Portage, aka the MTS Centre, was alive and kicking tonight with the Hustler and Lawless Radio Show broadcasting live from the main concourse of the arena. Fans were able to get into the MTS Centre two hours before game time.
NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman, told the Winnipeg Free Press, “The reception by the fans and community overall has been nothing short of sensational”
In contrast to many other venues, 15,000 people were chanting “Bettman, Bettman”
The game was a star-studded affair with more than a few celebrities in attendance. The national anthem was done with the Winnipeg Symphony Orchestra and sung by Chantal Kreviazuk and Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo.
The Canadian Prime Minister was on hand to take in the game.
True North Sports & Entertainment had a world class opening ceremony, with the signing and then death of Rick Rypien it left a big hole in the Jets line up and the club addressed that tonight.
The game opened with a great video tribute for Rypien and the Jets had Rick’s Mom, Shelley Crawford was asked to come out and drop the first puck in Winnipeg Jets history.
Despite the fact that the Winnipeg Jets lost their home opener they did out shoot the Canadiens 31-22, captain Andrew Ladd told CBC Sports, “It was just sloppy play we need to tighten up in the defensive zone”
As the clock was running out the fans were extremely loud and excited, they were so loud in fact that they drowned out the final buzzer.
The Winnipeg Jets hit the ice next on the road in Chicago to play the Blackhawk’s on Thursday.
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