SPORTS FLASHBACK 2011: Jets gear is tops on Christmas wish list
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The Winnipeg Goldeyes lost in the first round of the playoffs in their first season in the American Association, the Toronto Blue Jays finished their season early with a dismal .500 and the Winnipeg Blue Bombers lost the Grey Cup to the B.C. Lions after finishing first in the CFL East.
It was time for Winnipeg fans to turn their attention to hockey. And that they did, with the return of the Winnipeg Jets to the National Hockey League this season.
Christmas shopping for diehard Winnipeg Jets fans, who were devastated when the team left the city in 1996, came early this year. It will be no surprise to find Jets-related gifts under the tree Christmas morning.
Sean Walsh of Steinbach is one of many hockey fans thrilled to have a Manitoba NHL team to cheer for this hockey season. He was also fortunate enough to have been able to purchase season tickets this year, which he shares with a group of friends.
A number of Steinbach fans were lucky enough to be among those fortunate enough to buy some of the 13,000 season tickets, which sold out in 17 minutes after they went on sale.
“At the games, I’ve seen a lot of Steinbach people in our section,” said Walsh. “Many people in Steinbach got tickets and it’s exciting.”
Not everyone was able to get their hands on season tickets. Walsh’s wife Priscilla remembers the frustration and jealousy shown by her co-workers after she mentioned they were quick enough to purchase the sought-after tickets.
“They were pretty upset with me,” she said with a smile.
At two recent Christmas gatherings, the Walsh family brought Jets beer mugs and coffee mugs for the gift exchanges. It was no surprise to them others had also brought Jets merchandise. Curt Guenther at Source for Sports in Steinbach says business for Jets gear has been brisk and many people will be finding Jets-related gifts on Christmas morning.
“Jets items are the hottest item in the store by far. Virtually anything with ‘Jets’ on it is popular.”
The Steinbach store started selling Jets merchandise as soon as they could get the items in. Guenther said jerseys were the hardest things to get.
“We just got a bunch of white ones; there aren’t many blue ones left. They’ve been flying off the shelf.”
Southeast Auto City Insurance reports the Jets’ licence plates are also a hot item.
“We have sold close to 80 since Dec. 12; some are for gifting and some are for the customers themselves.”
The Winnipeg Blue Bomber plates are also popular, but there have been a lot more phone calls regarding the sought-after Jets’ plates.