For the second time this month, it will be “homecoming” night at Canada Life Centre. But the reception for Blake Wheeler should be much different than it was for Pierre-Luc Dubois a couple of weeks ago.
There was zero surprise when Winnipeg Jets fans booed Dubois every time he touched the puck in that Oct. 17 loss to the Los Angeles Kings. Dubois even had a little fun with it before the game, joking that what he’d actually be hearing was “Doob.”
But the circumstances of Wheeler’s exit from the franchise this past off-season were entirely different. It was a mutual parting of ways — an understanding the time had come for a complete transfer of leadership — beyond the removal of the captaincy the previous September.
Was Wheeler the perfect leader? No. Did his intense, no-nonsense approach create an air of uneasiness in the Jets room every now and then? It would be naive not to think so.
But regardless of his sometimes surly demeanour and demanding nature, there is no disputing Wheeler was all in — on the ice and off it.
The Wheels in Motion Ride Inside was an incredibly successful fundraiser for CancerCare Manitoba. There were numerous other charitable initiatives over the years Wheeler and his family supported, not to mention countless hospital and school visits.
Blake Wheeler gave every one of his best years as an NHL player to the Winnipeg Jets and this community. That’s the way I will think of him when he steps on the ice Monday in Winnipeg — for the very first time as an opposing player.
There will be those who strongly or perhaps mildly disagree. Understood.
But it’s my belief, or at least hope, that the majority of the 11,000 or so fans in the building Monday night will be part of a lengthy standing ovation following a genuine and most deserving tribute video to honour Wheeler’s 12 years as a member of the 2.0 Winnipeg Jets.
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