Winnipeg Jets Fan Fest Marks Return of NHL Pre-Season

The start of the National Hockey League (NHL) season is imminent, and in anticipation, the Winnipeg Jets hosted their annual Fan Fest over the weekend. The event took place on Saturday at the Hockey For All Centre, just hours before the Jets were set to face the Minnesota Wild in their first pre-season game.

Fans were welcomed to watch Winnipeg Jets and Manitoba Moose players as they engaged in practice sessions, running drills and scrimmages, to the delight of many. “Training camp is happening for players… and it’s kickoff season for fans too,” Kory Harnum, the community relations manager at True North Sports and Entertainment, commented in an interview with CTV News. “As hockey season starts, excitement builds for that.”

In addition to the on-ice activities, attendees enjoyed autograph sessions with Jets alumni, interactive games, contests, and the chance to purchase game-used jerseys and equipment. This fan engagement comes as the Jets prepare to host the Minnesota Wild at Canada Life Centre on Saturday night.

The Jets are set to showcase a roster that includes several young players alongside seasoned ones like Gabe Vilardi, Vladislav Namestnikov, Alex Iafallo, Dylan Samberg, and Colin Miller. The team’s pre-season matches will continue with games set against the Edmonton Oilers and Calgary Flames in the coming weeks.

Jets fans can anticipate the team’s regular season debut on October 9 against the Edmonton Oilers, paving the way for the home opener against the Chicago Blackhawks on October 11. Saturday’s game is scheduled to start at 7 p.m.