The Winnipeg Jets have released a letter to former captain Blake Wheeler following the announcement of his retirement from professional hockey.
Ray Neufeld – an active alumni and prominent member of the Winnipeg community since suiting up for the Jets from 1985-89 – penned a letter on the Jets’ behalf to Wheeler as an invitation to the NHL’s vast community of fellow alumni.
Photo by Terry Lee/USA Today
Neufeld also serves as Winnipeg’s alumni ambassador, attending a number of local games and helping organize events and alumni/honourary nights at Canada Life Centre for the Jets.
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Wheeler, 38, announced his retirement last week following 16 seasons of NHL play spanning 1,172 games to which he recorded 321 goals and 943 points with the Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets and New York Rangers. He added another 10 goals and 45 points in 66 games.
Neufeld’s letter to Wheeler:
Congratulations to Blake Wheeler on officially joining the Winnipeg Jets Alumni and Friends community. Blake, your contributions to the game of hockey and to the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club were outstanding.
Your on-ice and off-ice contributions to the City of Winnipeg and the hockey community of Winnipeg will always be remembered.
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Our alumni and the fans of Winnipeg are grateful. On behalf of the Winnipeg Jets Alumni and Friends, I wish to extend a sincere congratulations to fellow alumni who haven’t received formal recognition upon their retirement.
Your achievements are just as meaningful and valued in our Alumni Family. It’s wonderful to see our alumni network grow, those who have played for the Jets understand how special it is.
Thank you everyone, past, present and future, for continuing the legacy of the Winnipeg Jets Alumni and Friends.
Ray Neufeld
President, Alumni Ambassador – Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends