I didn't have a chance to share a favourite Jets memory in the GDT so I will do it here.
When my parents migrated here, their priorities were to give us a home we would be proud of and a comfortable life (which they did in spades). They were so focused in providing, they never had time for us outside work.
Fast forward to 92 and I’m 12. Teemu broke into the league and the hype was so strong I really wanted to see what it was all about. My best friends parents brought me along to my very first game mid November against the Rangers.
It made such an impression, I begged my parents to get me gear. The following weekend we headed out to Royal Sports and I got an Easton Wayne Gretzky Aluminum Stick (which I still have) and “99” branded Bauer skates.
I would spend time at the local rinks and my buddies would make fun of me on the ice, but at the same time were super supportive and overly protective when another kid would talk smack or target me. I never played organized hockey, but to experience the comradery and horsing around with my buds made me love the game even more. In my late teens I developed fallen arches and decided to stop playing Hockey all together.
In 2011 my love for the game returned when our beloved Jets came back. I bought skates for myself and wife this Christmas. I’m looking forward to lacing them on this Wednesday. Im prepared to embarrass myself, and I know I’ll love every moment of it.