To say the Winnipeg Jets season has been a disaster would be a vast understatement. Heading into the Olympic break, the team is nowhere close to the final wildcard spot.
But, on the bright side, four players are heading to Milan for the Olympics.
“I never thought I’d have the chance to be an Olympian, so it’s hard to put into words, and just having the chance to represent Canada on any level, let alone the Olympics, is a dream come true, and I can’t wait to get over there,” said Jets defenceman Josh Morrissey.
Jets head coach Scott Arniel, said, “You know it’s a spotlight and the whole world is watching and I think for the NHL to be back in, it’s been a long time and we saw at Four Nations how exciting that was, so we’re hoping for the Olympics to be the same thing and for those guys to be a part of it, have those experiences in that atmosphere, in that pressure, that’s all good things for those guys to help us after the break is over.”
Morrissey will represent Team Canada, forward Nino Niederreiter will play in his second Olympic tournament for Switzerland, goaltender Connor Hellebuyck, and forward Kyle Connor will don the red, white, and blue for Team U.S.A.
But with representation from three different nations, who do their Jets teammates cheer for?
“I’ll cheer for obviously Canada and I’ll cheer for individual success,” said Cole Perfetti, Jets forward.
Perfetti has been heating up for the Jets lately, but feels that the Olympic break is much needed.
“Break’s coming at a good time. It’ll be good for everyone to kind of relax. You know, watch some Olympic hockey. Get away, reset the mind and body. Obviously, it’s been a pretty hard schedule the last few weeks, a couple of months here. Everyone’s body is going to need this rest,” Perfetti explained.
The Jets return to play on February 25, just nine days before the looming March 6 NHL trade deadline.