'I have waited all year for this': Jets fans show up in full force for Game 1 at Whiteout Street Party
The whiteout has arrived in Winnipeg.
In anticipation of the Winnipeg Jets taking on the Colorado Avalanche in Game 1 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs, fans were out in full force decked in their Jets gear to take in the festivities of the Whiteout Street Party.
A myriad of characters and costumes all covered in Jets logos and colours could be seen walking around the Donald Street party.
Dave Simpkins and his wife Natalee were some of the first fans to make it through the gate to the party - Dave showing off his Jets face paint that Natalee applied.
"Been a fan since the 1980s. Love to see them make it this far and the season that they had was incredible," said Dave.
Dave and Natalee Simpkins were some of the first people to make into the Whiteout Street Party on April 21, 2024. (Devon McKendrick/CTV News Winnipeg)
Veronica Gagnon and Beau Downey arrived in full white jumpsuits with a variety of Jets logos and players' faces plastered on.
Gagnon's mom made the costumes, and the pair were excited to show them off.
Veronica Gagnon and Beau Downey are fully dressed in Jets gear ready to cheer on their favourite team on April 21, 2024. (Devon McKendrick/CTV News Winnipeg)
"Every playoffs we're here. We're up in the nosebleeds. We're cheering loud," said Downey.
Sheila Hathaway was also hard to miss as she had the Jets logo painted across her face with the Stanley Cup propped on top of her head.
She said she has been to every single whiteout party since the Jets returned to Winnipeg and she is hoping to attend a lot more this year.
"I'm so excited. I have a buzz inside me and I have waited all year for this. This is our year," said Hathaway.
Sheila Hathaway holds a sign while covered in face paint at the Whiteout Street Party on April 21, 2024. (Devon McKendrick/CTV News Winnipeg)
Even some of the Jets' younger fans were showing their team spirit. Rhys Favreau had on a full white jumpsuit, white hair, white face paint and a gold chain adorned by the Jets logo.
It wasn't his first whiteout party and he was excited to get the game underway.
"The Jets are going to crush (the Avalanche)," said Favreau.
Rhys Favreau couldn't resist dressing up to support his favourite team at the Whiteout Street Party on April 21, 2024. (Devon McKendrick/CTV News Winnipeg)
No party would be complete without the appearance of some famous characters – like a familiar-looking pirate, Jack in the 'Peg.
"I predict pain for the other team," said Jack. "It's already over. They've already won. The Stanley Cup is sitting somewhere with the Jets name on it right this moment."
Jack in the 'Peg made an appearance during the Winnipeg Whiteout Street Party on April 21, 2024. (Devon McKendrick/CTV News Winnipeg)
It wasn't just the fans getting in on the whiteout fun, even Environment Canada said whiteout conditions are expected in Winnipeg, but mainly in the downtown.
Fans will once again be able to gather for another whiteout ahead of Game 2 on Tuesday.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Princess Anne to take part in B.C. ceremony bringing new ship into Pacific fleet
Canada's first Arctic and Offshore Patrol Vessel will officially be brought into the Pacific fleet today and Princess Anne, the sister of King Charles, is scheduled to take part in its commissioning ceremony.
NEW Biscuits with possible plastic pieces, metal found in ground pork: Here are the recalls for this week
Here are the latest recalls Canadians should watch out for, according to Health Canada and the Canadian Food Inspection Agency.
Magnitude 4.8 earthquake recorded west of Vancouver Island
A 4.8-magnitude earthquake was reported west of Vancouver Island Thursday evening.
More than half of Canadians say freedom of speech is under threat, new poll suggests
A new poll suggests a majority of Canadians feel their right to freedom of speech is in danger.
How falling for a stranger she met on a beach led this woman to ditch the U.S. for the French Riviera
Niki Benjamin, from the U.S., had travelled to a paradise island to do some soul searching, and her life ended up going in a very different direction when her dog ran up to a stranger.
Britney Spears 'home and safe' after paramedics responded to an incident at the Chateau Marmont, source tells CNN
A source close to singer Britney Spears tells CNN that the pop star is 'home and safe' after she had a 'major fight' with her boyfriend on Wednesday night at the Chateau Marmont in West Hollywood.
Feds giving Toronto more than $104M to host 2026 FIFA World Cup
The federal government will provide Toronto just over $104 million in funding to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Police move in to clear NYU encampment, U.S. campus arrests grow to 2,200 in pro-Palestinian protests
Police moved in to clear an encampment at New York University on Friday at the request of school officials, a move that follows weeks of pro-Palestinian protests at college campuses nationwide that have resulted in nearly 2,200 arrests by police.
Wally, the emotional support alligator once denied entry to a baseball game, is missing
Emotional support animal registrations in the United States reached 115,832 last year, by an industry group’s count. But in the eyes of reptile rescuer Joie Henney, there’s only one: 'Wally Gator.'