Yeah... I was a little worried that some fans would boo him... But thankfully he was treated with the respect and... devotion that he deserves from us. After all, he certainly earned it. I've never seen a more classy hockey player than Teemu Selanne. I still want us to one day retire his number 8. Different franchise be damned, He had an impact that no other Jets player ever did. I feel honoured to have been a part of the fans that saw him when he played for us so long ago.
It was such a horrible day when he was so STUPIDLY traded... I'm glad he has had a successful career since then, but it was the worst trade ever in Winnipeg history. Those of you not living in Winnipeg would obviously not feel the same way nor understand the sheer emptiness us fans felt that day back in 1996...
I'm so glad he played in front of us again one last time. =)
Really odd game though... I was more focused on an opposing players team (Teemu) as opposed to watching our own play. I NEVER do that. The guy still has it though.
Mason played good too. Nice to have him be solid and give Pavelic a well earned rest. A much better result than last weekend's destruction vs the Wings.
Today was a nice lesson on how it seemingly points to the fact that every single Winnipeg fan who feels they "own" Teemu was more of a blight on the whole game than any other moment of his career.
I wasn't around during the original Jets era, but the whole time I had met old Jets fans in Canada (collectively about 10 of them) and we'd talk candid respect of Teemu which seemed to be from just beyond mutual levels of respect.
Today the simulcast on CBC, the reaction on forums and on the
media showed me a level of Jets fan that disgusts the shit out of me. Between bouts of happiness at seeing such a legend be as happy as he would be all season, I was almost instantly appalled to see such disrespect towards his career with the Avs, Sharks and Ducks with blatant "ownership" calls of Teemu Selanne. All stemming from as soon as I saw "We forgive you Teemu. Come home" in the stands. Sorry, WHY is he sorry? Why SHOULD he be sorry? Who are you to insinuate that he owes you, the Jeta fan, his whole career?
He set the rookie record, an amazing 76 goals, with you. That's it.
A record that technically belongs with the Phoenix Coyotes.
I know he's the closest Winnipeg fans have had to a living legend that isn't named Hawerchuk (also a current record holder with Phoenix) but that doesn't give Winnipeg fans a reason to shit on every club he's been with.
I'm crushed that the Quackahots couldn't win it for him. I love that he got a stadium full of the admiration he deserves. I nearly swelled when I saw the post game
Bipolar-like activity of Temmu smiling when talking about the evening at MLS then frowning with disappointment at his club that he's spent so much time and energy with. It hurt.
I'm sorry this is how you spent your last year Teemu. I'm glad
you could finally return to where you started. I'm glad your hockey bucket list is finished. May you retire in the glory that you've so solemnly deserved.
The only rafters that own your jersey number are the halls of Hockey Heaven itself.
The crowd was so cool during the war ups and before the game