WINNIPEG – They’ve only been back for a few months.
But it’s like the Manitoba Moose never left Winnipeg at all.
“The players are being recognized in and around the city,” said head coach Keith McCambridge. “They’re enjoying the city, they’ve enjoying the fans. They understand how passionate they are.”
The Moose will play their first game since 2011 at MTS Centre on Thursday when they host the Ontario Reign. The team was moved to Newfoundland & Labrador following the return of the Winnipeg Jets and became the St. John’s IceCaps. True North Sports and Entertainment later tried to relocate the team to Thunder Bay but plans to do so fell apart after that city’s quest to build a new arena failed. True North announced in March that the Moose would instead move back to Winnipeg long-term starting with the 2015-2016 season.
“It’s an exciting time for the team,” said McCambridge. “For the team to return again after four years away.”
Global News is proud to be the game sponsor for the Manitoba Moose’s home opener. Stop by our booth on the concourse during Thursday’s game to meet on-air personalities and get free Global merchandise.
Manitoba heads into the game with an 0-1-1 record following a pair of losses to the Toronto Marlies over the weekend.
“Our expectation is to make sure we’re growing every game,” said McCambridge. “We’ve learned some things off the first two games here and are continuing to get better.”
Even though the Moose regularly practice out of the MTS Iceplex, the Winnipeg Jets’ AHL affiliate has been able to skate twice at MTS Centre so far this season. McCambridge made a point to hold a few practices at the downtown rink prior to his team’s first game to help players get familiarized with the arena.
“The players know their surroundings a little bit better,” said McCambridge. “They know where their stall is. All the little things to make them feel comfortable.”
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