History of Winnipeg Jets in Timeline

The Winnipeg Jets are a professional ice hockey team based in Winnipeg and a member of the NHL's Central Division in the Western Conference. Owned by True North Sports & Entertainment, the Jets play their home games at Canada Life Centre.

1948: RCAF Flyers Team Canada

In the 2023–24 season, the Winnipeg Jets wore special "Heritage" uniforms for three games in collaboration with the RCAF for its centennial anniversary, nicknamed the "Forty-Eight" in tribute to the Ottawa RCAF Flyers team that won the gold medal for Team Canada in the 1948 Winter Olympics

December 27, 1971: Winnipeg Granted WHA Franchise

On December 27, 1971, Winnipeg was granted one of the founding franchises in the World Hockey Association (WHA).

1972: CJOB Radio Home

CJOB served as the radio home of their original Winnipeg Jets incarnation from 1972 to 1982, and again from 1992 to 1996.

1973: Inspiration for throwback uniforms

From 2016 to 2019, the Winnipeg Jets wore throwback white uniforms based on the 1973–78 design worn by the original Jets.

1979: Jets recreate original uniforms

For the 2020–21 season, the Winnipeg Jets wore "Reverse Retro" alternate uniforms, recreating the original Jets' 1979–90 uniforms but recolored to match the current Jets' scheme.

1982: CJOB Radio Home

CJOB served as the radio home of their original Winnipeg Jets incarnation from 1972 to 1982, and again from 1992 to 1996.

1987: Winnipeg Whiteout Tradition Begins

In 1987, the Winnipeg Whiteout hockey tradition began when fans of the original Winnipeg Jets franchise were asked to wear white clothing at the home playoff games as a response to the "C of Red" created by Calgary Flames fans.

1990: Jets Retro Uniforms

In the 2022–23 season, the Winnipeg Jets wore "Reverse Retro" uniforms based on the white uniforms worn by the original Jets from 1990 to 1996, recolored to the current Jets' scheme.

1990: Inspiration for alternate uniforms

The striping for the 2018-19 Winnipeg Jets alternate uniforms was inspired from the 1990-96 uniforms of the original Jets.

1992: CJOB Radio Home

CJOB served as the radio home of their original Winnipeg Jets incarnation from 1972 to 1982, and again from 1992 to 1996.

April 28, 1996: Original Winnipeg Jets' Last Game

On April 28, 1996, the original Winnipeg Jets played their last game before relocating.

1996: CJOB Radio Home

CJOB served as the radio home of their original Winnipeg Jets incarnation from 1972 to 1982, and again from 1992 to 1996.

1996: Jets Retro Uniforms

In the 2022–23 season, the Winnipeg Jets wore "Reverse Retro" uniforms based on the white uniforms worn by the original Jets from 1990 to 1996, recolored to the current Jets' scheme.

June 25, 1997: Atlanta Thrashers Franchise Established

On June 25, 1997, the Atlanta Thrashers franchise was established.

1999: Whiteout at World Junior Championship

The Winnipeg Whiteout tradition was also used during the Canada vs. Russia gold medal game at the 1999 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships, which was hosted by Winnipeg.

2000: Wayne Gretzky's Number Retired League-Wide

At the 2000 NHL All-Star Game, the NHL retired number 99 league-wide in honour of Wayne Gretzky.

2009: Whiteout During Calder Cup Playoffs

During the 2009 Calder Cup playoffs between the Manitoba Moose and the Hershey Bears, fans were asked to wear white for game 6 of the Calder Cup Finals, continuing the Whiteout tradition.

May 2011: True North Buys and Relocates the Team

In May 2011, True North Sports & Entertainment bought the Atlanta Thrashers and relocated the team to Winnipeg.

May 20, 2011: Agreement Reached for True North to Purchase Thrashers

On May 20, 2011, the Winnipeg Sun confirmed that an agreement in principle had been reached for True North to purchase the Atlanta Thrashers.

May 31, 2011: Thrashers Relocation to Winnipeg Confirmed

On May 31, 2011, at a press conference at the MTS Centre, Gary Bettman confirmed that the Atlanta Thrashers had been sold to True North and would relocate to Winnipeg for the 2011–12 season.

June 1, 2011: Season Ticket Sales Begin

On June 1, 2011, season ticket sales began, with Manitoba Moose season ticket holders having priority.

June 4, 2011: Rick Dudley's Contract Bought Out

On June 4, 2011, True North bought out the remaining years of general manager Rick Dudley's contract.

June 12, 2011: Craig Ramsay Reinterviewed

On June 12, 2011, Kevin Cheveldayoff had Thrashers head coach Craig Ramsay reinterview for his position.

June 21, 2011: NHL Board Approves Sale and Relocation

On June 21, 2011, the NHL's Board of Governors approved the sale and relocation of the Atlanta Thrashers to Winnipeg.

July 2011: Ticket Prices Surge on StubHub

In July 2011, tickets for the October 9 home opener against the Montreal Canadiens were listed for an average price of $1,711 on StubHub, with an average selling price of $713.

July 22, 2011: New Jets Logos and Colours Unveiled

On July 22, 2011, the Winnipeg Jets unveiled their new logos and colours, three days earlier than scheduled after team merchandise was leaked online. The announcement occurred prior to the official release date, accelerating the team's timeline.

October 9, 2011: Jets' Regular Season Debut

On October 9, 2011, the Winnipeg Jets made their formal regular season debut, losing 5-1 to the Montreal Canadiens at the MTS Centre, with Nik Antropov scoring the first-ever Jets goal. Bachman–Turner Overdrive performed at the opening ceremonies.

2011: Fans Shout "True North!" During Anthem

Beginning in 2011, during the singing of "O Canada", Winnipeg Jets fans commonly shout the words "True North!" in the line "The True North strong and free" to recognize True North Sports & Entertainment.

2011: CFRW as flagship radio station

From 2011 to 2020, CFRW, TSN Radio 1290, served as the flagship radio station of the Winnipeg Jets, with Paul Edmonds on play-by-play alongside Brian Munz.

2011: Shane Hnidy becomes Jets Colour Commentator

Shane Hnidy was the Winnipeg Jets' lead colour commentator from the 2011–12 to 2016–17 seasons.

2014: Jets Telecasts Move to TSN3

In 2014, with the realignment of TSN into regional feeds, Winnipeg Jets telecasts moved to TSN3, and the separate TSN Jets channel was discontinued.

2015: Mick E. Moose Returns

In 2015, True North announced they had "recalled" their former Moose mascot, Mick E. Moose, from the AHL. Mick E. has served as mascot for both the Jets and the Manitoba Moose since the start of the 2015–16 season.

2015: Jets Resurrect Whiteout Tradition

The Winnipeg Jets resurrected the Winnipeg Whiteout tradition when they qualified for the 2015 Stanley Cup playoffs.

October 19, 2016: Inaugural Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame Induction

On October 19, 2016, the Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame inducted its inaugural members: the "HOT Line" consisting of Anders Hedberg, Bobby Hull, and Ulf Nilsson.

2016: Jets Resurrect Benny as Secondary Mascot

During the 2016 Heritage Classic, the Winnipeg Jets resurrected their mascot from its original incarnation, Benny, and he has since served as the team's secondary mascot.

2016: Jets Wear Throwback Uniforms

From 2016 to 2019, the Winnipeg Jets wore throwback white uniforms based on the 1973–78 design worn by the original Jets. The uniforms debuted in the 2016 Heritage Classic and have been used during Jets Hall of Fame induction nights since.

2016: Jennifer Hanson Performs at Alumni Game

Jennifer Hanson, the Winnipeg Jets' regular national anthem singer for the final seven seasons of the original franchise, performed again during the 2016 Heritage Classic Alumni Game.

2016: Shane Hnidy leaves the Jets

Shane Hnidy was the Winnipeg Jets' lead colour commentator from the 2011–12 to 2016–17 seasons.

November 14, 2017: Dale Hawerchuk Honoured

On November 14, 2017, Dale Hawerchuk was honoured by the Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame.

2017: Shane Hnidy Moves to Cover Vegas Golden Knights

In 2017, Shane Hnidy, former Winnipeg Jets' lead colour commentator, moved to AT&T SportsNet Rocky Mountain to cover the Vegas Golden Knights.

2017: Jets Keep Existing Uniforms with Adidas Takeover

In 2017, when Adidas took over the production of NHL uniforms, the Winnipeg Jets decided to keep their existing uniforms.

March 25, 2018: Jets Clinch Playoff Spot

On March 25, 2018, the Winnipeg Jets beat the Nashville Predators 5–4 in a shootout and clinched a spot in the 2018 Stanley Cup playoffs.

April 11, 2018: Jets Win First Playoff Game

On April 11, 2018, the Winnipeg Jets won the first playoff game in the history of the Atlanta/Winnipeg franchise, defeating the Minnesota Wild 3–2.

April 20, 2018: Jets Win First Playoff Series in Franchise History

On April 20, 2018, the Winnipeg Jets won their first playoff series in franchise history (and the first series victory in 31 years for the city) with a 5–0 victory over the Minnesota Wild in game five of the first round series, winning the series 4–1.

May 10, 2018: Jets Advance to Conference Finals

On May 10, 2018, the Winnipeg Jets made franchise history by advancing to the Conference Finals for the first time, defeating the Nashville Predators four games to three.

2018: Jets Introduce Alternate Uniform

Prior to the 2018-19 season, the Winnipeg Jets introduced their first alternate uniform. It featured aviator blue as the base color, along with a new "Jets" wordmark, block letters and numbers, and striping inspired from the 1990–96 uniforms of the original Jets.

February 26, 2019: Lars-Erik Sjoberg and Ab McDonald Inducted Posthumously

On February 26, 2019, Lars-Erik Sjoberg and Ab McDonald were posthumously inducted into the Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame. Both were captains of the team at key points of the team's history.

2019: Jets Unveil Blue Throwback Uniforms

In 2019, a blue version of the Winnipeg Jets' throwback uniforms was unveiled for the Heritage Classic.

February 11, 2020: Randy Carlyle and Thomas Steen Inducted

On February 11, 2020, Randy Carlyle and Thomas Steen were inducted into the Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame.

August 18, 2020: Dale Hawerchuk Death

On August 18, 2020, Dale Hawerchuk passed away, after which the Winnipeg Jets' 10th-anniversary logo also served as a memorial to him by adding his number in place of the team logo.

October 5, 2020: Jets Renew Television Rights with TSN3

On October 5, 2020, the Winnipeg Jets renewed their television rights agreement with TSN3.

2020: Corus Entertainment Holds Jets Radio Rights

In 2020, Corus Entertainment secured the Winnipeg Jets radio rights as part of a seven-year agreement. CJOB and CJKR-FM Power 97 serve as co-flagships, simulcasting all games on AM and FM radio.

2020: Jets Honour Dale Hawerchuk

On August 18, 2020, the Winnipeg Jets' 10th-anniversary logo also served as a memorial to Dale Hawerchuk. His number 10 was added in lieu of the team's current logo following his death.

2021: Dennis Beyak Retires

Dennis Beyak served as the primary play-by-play voice for the Winnipeg Jets until his retirement at the end of the 2021–22 NHL season.

2021: Jets Promote Heritage Uniforms

Starting with the 2021–22 season, the Winnipeg Jets' blue "Heritage" uniforms were promoted to alternate status, replacing the previous aviator blue alternates.

November 17, 2022: Teemu Selanne and Teppo Numminen Inducted

On November 17, 2022, Teemu Selanne and Teppo Numminen were inducted into the Winnipeg Jets Hall of Fame.

2022: Jets Wear Reverse Retro Uniforms

In the 2022–23 season, the Winnipeg Jets wore "Reverse Retro" uniforms based on the white uniforms worn by the original Jets from 1990 to 1996, recolored to the current Jets' scheme.

2023: Jets Wear Special "Heritage" Uniforms

In the 2023–24 season, the Winnipeg Jets wore special "Heritage" uniforms for three games in collaboration with the RCAF for its centennial anniversary. These were nicknamed the "Forty-Eight".