At a news conference held today at noon CST, the Winnipeg Jets have named Blake Wheeler as the new captain of the team. As you may recall, Andrew Ladd was captain of the team when it was relocated from Atlanta, and remained in that position until he was traded to the Chicago Blackhawks prior to last year's trade deadline. At that time, both Wheeler (named in the 2014- 15 season) and Mark Stuart (named in the 2011-12 season) served as Alternate Captains.
Wheeler becomes the second captain in Winnipeg Jets 2.0 team history, and 9th in franchise history, counting the Atlanta Thrashers. Wheeler's blend of speed, determination, grit and professionalism, along with his community outreach have made him a fan favorite in the city. Today also happens to be his 30th birthday.
Watch it all from the beginning.
The full press conference leading to @BiggieFunke being named captain!
WATCH >> https://t.co/cGYrHuWAhC— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) August 31, 2016
Speed. Leadership. Work ethic.
Look back at @BiggieFunke‘s 2015-2016 season.
READ > https://t.co/xL3YfFxNFn pic.twitter.com/rP0q1vYIyg
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) July 30, 2016
We’re proud to announce the new captain of the #NHLJets…@BiggieFunke! pic.twitter.com/pyYJ4yEpfq
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) August 31, 2016
Blake Wheeler named captain of the Winnipeg Jets. https://t.co/oAQm9V5bkX pic.twitter.com/FKhKtGMByV
— 680 CJOB Sports (@CJOBSports) August 31, 2016
Congrats @BiggieFunke on being named captain of @NHLJets ! Well deserved my friend.
— Andrew Ladd (@aladd16) August 31, 2016
“Good start to the 30s!” –@BiggieFunke on being named #NHLJets captain on his 30th birthday. pic.twitter.com/LHyoxgzOpP
— Winnipeg Jets (@NHLJets) August 31, 2016
I am honored to be the captain of the @NHLJets . Looking forward to getting this group together in October!
— Blake Wheeler (@BiggieFunke) August 31, 2016
Blake Wheeler will be a tremendous captain of @NHLJets. Well deserved! This team is going to good places!
— Jim Slater (@slaterjim) August 31, 2016
Also during today's announcement, Dustin Byfuglien and Mark Scheifele have been named as Alternate Captains under Wheeler.
Audio: Mark Scheifele & Dustin Byfuglien spoke to the media about being named Alternate Captain https://t.co/QeMnwckV10
— TSN 1290 Winnipeg (@TSN1290Radio) August 31, 2016
What do you think? Have the Winnipeg Jets management group in True North Sports & Entertainment made the right choice?
