Winnipeg Jets fans fly south for playoff game against Ducks
After trouncing the Calgary Flames 5-1 in their final regular season game, the Jets are now setting their sights on the Anaheim Ducks, who they'll face off against Thursday in the first round of the Stanley Cup playoffs. And at least two eager Winnipeggers have already made the trek south of the border for the game.
An excited Bobby St. Laurent packed his bag to the brim with more than one Jets jersey on Sunday.
St. Laurent's three-decade-long love affair with the franchise began during his time as a popcorn salesman at the old Winnipeg Arena. From there, St. Laurent grew into a full-fledge Jets fanboy, turning his entire basement into a shrine to the team.
"They epitomize what hockey should be all about," said St. Laurent. "Hopefully they can bring home the cup."
He spent the better part of Saturday night rejoicing in the team's win against the Flames.
"I was just so happy. I was very excited and messaged, 'we're going, we're going!"
His two kids weren't surprised. They said their dad is one of the biggest Jets fans in the city. They also said he's a bit of an attention seeker, bringing big "Go Jets, go" style signs and chanting loud enough for all present at homes games to hear.
Before heading to the airport Sunday afternoon, Sawatsky and St. Laurent double-checked they had their $50 playoff tickets they purchased on the Ducks' website. And they say they got a good deal: playoff tickets for a game at the MTS Centre cost a little more than that, ranging from $62 to more than $200 per seat.
The two friends, both celebrating their 50th birthday this year, donned their Jets jerseys and boarded the plane Sunday. Almost 35 years into their friendship, the men now look forward to fulfilling a lifelong dream of taking in Winnipeg's first playoff berth since 1996.
