Former Jets captain Blake Wheeler’s return to the city wasn’t enough to draw more fans to the Canada Life Center in Winnipeg, which welcomed fewer than 12,000 spectators for the fourth straight year.
Specifically, 11,898 people were in the stands, or about 79% of the 15,004 available seats in the amphitheater, to watch the Jets’ 3-2 loss to the New York Rangers.
• Also read: Matthew Poitras is staying in the NHL
• Also read: The CH will not be able to take the Coyotes lightly
• Also read: Connor Bedard keeps producing…and losing
According to the Winnipeg Sun, Wheeler does not believe the low attendance at the team’s games is related to a decline in fan support. He believes people in Winnipeg follow the team and watch the games on television.
“We have to be vigilant because we don’t always know what people are going through,” said the striker. Obviously times are economically difficult. They would definitely prefer the arena to be full every night, but that’s probably not an option for some people. I know that the hearts of all fans beat for this team.”
On the Ticketmaster website, the cheapest tickets for the Jets’ next home game, against the Nashville Predators on Nov. 9, are selling for $43.75.
The Jets’ Oct. 14 home opener against the Florida Panthers was the only one so far this season to sell more than 12,000 tickets at the Canada Life Centre. Three days later, the Los Angeles Kings came to Winnipeg for Pierre-Luc Dubois’ first duel against his former team after the Quebecer left the Manitoba club in the summer. As with Wheeler’s visit, several seats were unoccupied: a crowd of 11,226 spectators, or 75% of maximum capacity, was announced.
The times have changed
According to Jacob Trouba, another former Jets player who plays for the Rangers, this situation was not common during his stay in Manitoba.
“It was always crowded and loud,” recalled the captain of the New York team. I have fond memories of it, especially when we think about the series. Even the regular season games were exciting. It’s hard to see. I don’t think anyone is happy with the situation.”
The Jets have the second-worst attendance average in the National League this season based on the percentage of tickets sold at their arena. They only filled an average of 78.9% of their seats, which was 0.2% more than the Buffalo Sabres.