Winnipeg Jets players visit kids at rehab centre

WINNIPEG — Winnipeg Jets players made their annual visit to the children’s rehab centre on Wednesday to spread some holiday cheer.

Forwards Patrik Laine, Nikolaj Ehlers, Andrew Copp, Drew Stafford, as well as defencemen Jacob Trouba, Josh Morrissey, Paul Postma, and goaltender Connor Hellebuyck were all there signing autographs and posing for pictures with kids and their families.

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“It’s always so special being able to spend time with kids and families, especially around the holiday season,” said Morrissey.

“It’s always great to see the smiles on the kids’ faces, but I think it’s equally or even more rewarding for us players.”

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Laine said it was nice for him and his teammates to get away from the rink for a couple hours.

“This is different than a normal day at the hockey rink,” he said. “It’s nice to get our minds off hockey and do something good.”

Adell Gauthier, the fund development & event coordinator for the Children’s Rehabilitation Foundation, said Jets players have visited every year since the team came back to Winnipeg in 2011.

“It is so exciting just to see the kids light up,” she said. “These are their heroes and it’s just a Christmas dream for them to get to meet some of the guys they’re watching on TV all the time.”

The Jets are back in action Thursday evening when they host the Florida Panthers at MTS Centre.