'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
PWHL Minnesota defeats Boston to win inaugural Walter Cup
Minnesota won the inaugural championship of the Professional Women’s Hockey League on Wednesday night, getting 17 saves from Nicole Hensley to beat Boston 3-0 in a winner-take-all Game 5 and claim the Walter Cup.
Canadians are eyeing moves to these cities for more affordable housing
Faced with elevated housing prices, half of Canadians in the country's largest cities are considering moving to places with more affordable housing.
B.C. mortgage broker ran $270-million Ponzi scheme, then fled Canada, bankruptcy trustee says
The trustee appointed to manage the bankruptcies of a Victoria mortgage company and its owner has concluded that they committed "numerous offences" and operated as a "massive Ponzi scheme."
Oilers rally to beat Stars, tie Western Conference Final
With the Edmonton Oilers down two goals late in the first period of Game 4, Rogers Place was quiet, fans seemingly bewildered at the early, quick scoring of the Dallas Stars and the slow start by the home team. Ryan McLeod's marker with six-and-a-half minutes in the opening frame left changed all that.
McDonald's says $18 Big Mac meal was an 'exception' and their prices haven't risen that much
McDonald’s is fighting back against viral tweets and media reports that it says have exaggerated its price increases.
'Targeted again': Montreal police investigate after gunshot fired at Jewish school
Police are investigating another building in Montreal's community was struck by gunfire.
Tessa Virtue reveals she's expecting her first child. Here's what Canadians had to say
Canadian figure-skating icon Tessa Virtue is expecting her first child, she revealed via social media Tuesday.
Poilievre says Canadians 'fleeing' to Nicaragua, Liberals say it shows he 'doesn't have a clue'
Liberal parliamentarians are criticizing Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre over a new video in which he promotes the idea that some Canadians are 'fleeing' Canada to live in Nicaragua because they can't afford a house in this country.
'Do not drive': Nissan warns Canadian drivers of explosion risk impacting 48,000 vehicles
Car manufacturer Nissan has issued a do-not-drive warning for some older vehicles equipped with Takata airbag inflators, due to the risk of explosion during a crash.