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It was one year ago today that Stephen Brunt, then of the Globe and Mail, reported that all the rumors indeed pointed to the movement of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg.
Jubilation erupted in Winnipeg as fans and future fans began to flock to Portage avenue and Main street. Jets flags, jerseys, signs and more appeared cars honked horns and music came out for generally well behaved revelry. It was a full on party when the police allowed the cracking of the classic working man's swill Lucky Lager.
Radio and TV stations even picked up the news and pre-empted all scheduled programming. Local celebrity from www.jetsowner.com Darren Ford joined TSN Radio 1290 on air to discuss the future.
It was at that point Mark Chipman, principal owner of the relocated team became the most popular guy in Winnipeg. I called my contact within True North that evening and was told 'it's not done yet'. It was a different attitude and sense of optimism from them much different than a year ago when the Coyotes saga was unfolding.
Here is Gary Bettman's reaction to the news.
http://m.youtube.com/?reload=3&rdm=m3nv5b6mz#/watch?desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3DUSC-pz-4wto&v=USC-pz-4wto&gl=CA
Later on, long after the Thrahers were firmly the Jets Mark Chipman would reveal how close he and partner David Thomson were to owning the desert dogs- 10 minutes. While many had speculated and tried to inform the interested public, me included, it took that moment of admission from Chipman to prove he/they were that close.
A year later the team that became the Jets is almost no better than when it was in Atlanta, at least on the ice. The fan support, the revenue and the corporate support is phenomenal and nothing but a giant success- even in the eyes of many doubters.
On the ice- issues remain. Later on in this space the analyzing the critical success factors of the Jets will continue. For now it's a chance to celebrate something great for the city and province and remember a day where hoped reigned supreme for hockey fans in Winnipeg. The true critical test lies ahead but today it's time to enjoy 'Jets Day'