The Winnipeg Jets hit the ice for the first day of training camp at MTS Iceplex and hundreds of eager fans were there waiting for the action.
Blake Wheeler was named alternate captain of the team Friday morning, which came as no surprise. Last season, he led the team in scoring with 28 goals and 69 points and wore the A occasionally.
“He was a driver in practice, he was a driver in the games, he played through some injuries,” said head coach Paul Maurice. “He’s engaged he’s vocal he likes being a Winnipeg Jet.”
Many are anticipating Wheeler to play with Evander Kane and Mark Scheifele on the top line this year.
“That’s going to be awesome playing with two guys that have a ton of energy and just want the puck at all times,” said Wheeler. “You get them the puck and they’re dangerous all over the ice.”
Kane seemed to be feeling confident heading into camp. Coming off a 19-goal season in which he was often sidelined with injuries, he has set the bar high to start.
“I know I can score 50 so I think playing with the right guys and playing with those guys consistently and obviously staying healthy is a big part of it too,” said Kane. “The sky’s the limit.”
Maurice was generating a positive response from the players at camp, starting his first full season with the Jets.
“I don’t want to pump his tires too much, I don’t want to look like the teacher’s pet cause I’m not,” said Kane. “I actually like him as a coach and he brings a lot of experience to the table.”
That experience will need to be used wisely in order for the team to have a shot at the post-season. Fitness is one of the major areas Maurice is working to improve to get them there.
“We’re using different metrics to measure fitness than last year,” said Maurice. “The top end part of our team is in better shape than they were last year.”
The Jets’ first exhibition game is at home on Monday against Minnesota Wild. Training camp wraps up the following Tuesday.
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