Winnipeg Jets: What the Return of Teemu Selanne Meant for the City

On December 17, 2011, Teemu Selanne returned to Winnipeg. Teemu was always a fan favourite during his many years with the Jets. It was an emotional return for the sniper who has not played in Winnipeg since February 4, 1996.

Teemu played well in his return, notching two assists even though the Jets eventually won 5-3. For the Winnipeg fans, this was an excellent outcome. They got to see Teemu celebrate some points (as they had done so many times during his illustrious career) but not at the expense of the Jets victory.

So what does the return of Teemu Selanne mean to the city of Winnipeg?

I believe that his return signifies a true return of hockey heritage in Winnipeg. No one embodied hockey in Winnipeg more than Teemu Selanne, no one put hockey in Winnipeg on the map throughout North America more than Teemu Selanne, no one achieved the success in Winnipeg like Teemu.

He was such a prominent force in the community that two women once asked him, after finishing a meal of chicken wings at Earl's if they could have the leftover bones. He was hockey in Winnipeg.

You can argue that that was the case with Shane Doan, but Doan played one season in Winnipeg compared to Teemu’s four. Moreover, Teemu’s record (that might never be broken) of 76 goals as a rookie will forever stand as a Winnipeg Jets record.

During those four seasons (with some marred by injury), Teemu had 147 goals and 306 points in 231 games. In Winnipeg’s final season, he had 72 points in 51 games. Teemu Selanne was the Winnipeg Jets.

It was a gorgeous scene in Winnipeg as "Teemu" chants were rampant every time he touched the puck and came on the ice from the crowd of over 15,000. This showed the class of the city as well as how much he meant to the fans. It must have been quite nostalgic for the 41-year-old who hasn't returned to where his NHL career all started in 15 years.

If nothing else, we are glad that Teemu played this last season so that we were able to witness such a beautiful display of love and adoration from one of the city's greats.