Winnipeg Jets’ backup goaltender Eric Comrie had the opportunity to get his ‘welcome to the big leagues’ moment a second time.
This past weekend, the 30-year-old Alberta-born hockey player traded in his sticks and pads for clubs and ball markers, as he teed off in the 2025 Fortinet Cup Manitoba Open from Breezy Bend Golf and Country Club.
Photo by Rusty Barton
Yes, you read that correctly. Comrie – a long time professional hockey player – was given the chance to suit up and play alongside some of the best golfers out there as a sponsor’s exemption – meaning he, as an amateur, could play two rounds with professionals. His invite was solely based on the event sponsorship through True North Sports + Entertainment, and had nothing to do with his skillset.
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After inclement weather washed out the course and made it impossible to play on the originally scheduled Thursday/Friday dates, the event became a two-day, weekend running, with participants teeing off throughout the day.
Comrie finished dead last in shooting a 42-over 184 through two rounds. He began with a difficult 96 on Day 1, followed by an improved 88 on his second day through the course. Only four other golfers saw improvements as vast as his.
Over the past number of years, other members of the Jets have participated in the event, including  most recently, Dylan Samberg, who shot a 10-over last year. Mark Scheifele’s 18-over in 2022 was the previous best, while Morgan Barron went +22 in 2023. Only Kyle Connor’s +43 in 2019 was worse than Comrie’s performance this past weekend.
But then again, this is golf and not hockey.