WINNIPEG — Several former Winnipeg Jets are hoping to lace ’em up alongside NHL greats Teemu Selanne and Wayne Gretzky in October’s Heritage Classic alumni game at Investors Group Field.
“I’ve been keeping the phone open, waiting for the call,” Perry Miller said. “I’m hoping to get one but I’m probably one of 150 guys hoping the phone is going to ring.”
Miller played three seasons with the Jets during the team’s WHA days. The defenceman says the game between the Jets and Edmonton Oilers will be a celebration of hockey history.
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“It’s a very good combination,” Miller said. “There was a huge rivalry between the two teams. To have a team like Edmonton to come in, with all the stars they have is outstanding.”
Forward Jordy Douglas, who logged 24 games with the Jets in the 1980’s, said former hockey players dream of having an opportunity to play in such a game.
“I don’t think there’s any one guy who would pass up the chance,” Douglas said. “Even if they physically can’t play, I think they would want to be involved in some way.”
Douglas played in an outdoor alumni game between Hartford Whalers legends and former Boston Bruins in 2011.
“To be around the guys, share some laughs is a blast,” Douglas said. “It’s emotional but a ton of fun. The biggest thing about the game was always the camaraderie.”
The Heritage Classic alumni game will take place Oct. 22.