To the Winnipeg Jets fans, first, I would like to say congratulations to getting an NHL team back into your fine city. It worked out for the both of us. We got to keep the Coyotes and you triumphed with getting the Thrashers from Atlanta. However, I am getting the impression that you are still bitter about something. I don’t understand? You gat an NHL team, you have a waiting list for season tickets, and the Ice Road Truckers graced your fine frozen city last winter. What more do you want, more cheese curds for your poutine?
Oh I know, you think since you have the Winnipeg Jets you deserve to have the stats and history of the original Winnipeg Jets, now known as the Phoenix Coyotes. Um yeah, about that…it’s not going to happen! Congratulations, you have inherited the history of the Atlanta Thrashers.
Let me explain, the New Jersey Devils franchise was first established in Kansas City in 1974 and was then known as the Scouts, then moved to Denver Colorado in 1976 and became the Rockies, only to finally get settled in Newark, New Jersey. The Carolina Hurricanes were once the Hartford Whalers, and the Quebec Nordiques are now the Colorado Avalanche, all the while the history and stats staying with the organizations. The Dallas Stars were once the Minnesota North Stars and the Atlanta Flames became the Calgary Flames in 1980. The Atlanta Thrashers did not ask the Calgary Flames for the Atlanta part of the team’s history to be credited to the new franchise, and Minnesota had a NHL team return in 2000 with the Wild. Did you see those fans go after the Stars organization for the stats that were from them while they were the North Stars? No! So in the words of the great late Al Davis, “Get over it!”
Now here’s some history you can keep, find that big ass picture of Queen Elizabeth, hang it in the rafters of MTS Centre and reminisce of the days of old. Nonetheless, you will still be the former Atlanta Thrashers or as I like to call you the Re-Jets.
