'Long overdue': Winnipeg Jets preseason game sees thousands of fans in attendance
After 567 days, the Winnipeg Jets had their first home game with fans gathered by the thousands.
For the last year and a half, COVID-19 has kept doors closed to spectators, making last night’s highly anticipated preseason opener a memorable night for fans in attendance who've been longing for live hockey.
Fans were lined up around the block and could barely hold their anticipation ahead of the game against the Ottawa Senators.
"As soon as I found out we were going to have fans, I was so, so, so, so, pumped,” said one Jets fan before Sunday’s game.
“I can’t wait to get in there. All my favourite players are playing. I can’t wait.”
For the first time since March of 2020, Jets tickets were available to the general public with no capacity restrictions on attendance.
It was a moment that could not come soon enough for many fans, with some even travelling from around the province to be there.
While the fans got an overtime game with a former Wheat King scoring for the visiting team, the Jets eventually fell to Ottawa in overtime by a score of 3-2.
Nevertheless, it was all celebration and gratitude after the game.
"People were great, that's what Manitobans are all about…[it] just brings the best out in everyone. Long overdue," said a fan after the game.
Though safety measures are still in place to help fight the spread of COVID-19, it did not hinder the experience of those in attendance who are looking forward to sharing more moments like these with fellow fans.
CTV News Winnipeg previously reported that people need to be fully vaccinated to attend Winnipeg Jets games. Children who are under 12 can attend if they’re accompanied by a fully immunized person that they live with or are related to.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
B.C. tenants evicted for landlord's use after refusing large rent increase to take over neighbouring suite
Ashley Dickey and her mother rented part of the same Coquitlam duplex in three different decades under three different landlords.
Mountain guide dies after falling into a crevasse in Banff National Park
A man who fell into a crevasse while leading a backcountry ski group deep in the Canadian Rockies has died.
Expert warns of food consumption habits amid rising prices
A new survey by Dalhousie University's Agri-Food Analytics Lab asked Canadians about their food consumption habits amid rising prices.
MPP Sarah Jama asked to leave Ontario legislature for wearing keffiyeh
MPP Sarah Jama was asked to leave the Legislative Assembly of Ontario by House Speaker Ted Arnott on Thursday for wearing a keffiyeh, a garment which has been banned at Queen’s Park.
Charlie Woods, son of Tiger, shoots 81 in U.S. Open qualifier
Charlie Woods failed to advance in a U.S. Open local qualifying event Thursday, shooting a 9-over 81 at Legacy Golf & Tennis Club.
Ex-tabloid publisher testifies he scooped up possibly damaging tales to shield his old friend Trump
As Donald Trump was running for president in 2016, his old friend at the National Enquirer was scooping up potentially damaging stories about the candidate and paying out tens of thousands of dollars to keep them from the public eye.
Here's why provinces aren't following Saskatchewan's lead on the carbon tax home heating fight
After Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said the federal government would still send Canada Carbon Rebate cheques to Saskatchewan residents, despite Saskatchewan Premier Scott Moe's decision to stop collecting the carbon tax on natural gas or home heating, questions were raised about whether other provinces would follow suit. CTV News reached out across the country and here's what we found out.
Montreal actress calls Weinstein ruling 'discouraging' but not surprising
A Montreal actress, who has previously detailed incidents she had with disgraced Hollywood producer Harvey Weinstein, says a New York Court of Appeals decision overturning his 2020 rape conviction is 'discouraging' but not surprising.
Caleb Williams, Jayden Daniels and Drake Maye make it four NFL drafts with quarterbacks going 1-3
Caleb Williams is heading to the Windy City, aiming to become the franchise quarterback Chicago has sought for decades.