My Support for the Winnipeg Jets Name

Below is an e-mail I wrote to True North to show my support for the Winnipeg Jets name. I think the e-mail says it all for me. If they decide to ignore the fans and choose a new name, my vote is for the Falcons. The worst names floating around, in my opinion, are the "Moose" and the "Polar Bears."

From: Curtis, Shane
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2011 11:56 AM
To: 'info@truenorth.mb.ca'
Cc:  hidden
Subject: My Support for the Winnipeg Jets Name

To Whom It May Concern,

I am writing to you today to express my support for naming the new Winnipeg NHL franchise the Winnipeg Jets.

For the majority of Winnipeggers, the “Winnipeg Jets” represent more than just a team name. The Jets represent a sense of community and a sense of pride. For many people, this is why it has always been about the Return of the Jets, and not the Return of the NHL. True North has a rare and special opportunity to restore something very important to many people, something that is more powerful than any new marketing platform. The emotion and nostalgia associated with the Jets name goes beyond a hockey team. That is why we chant “Go Jets go” at concerts, festivals, and other gatherings. Furthermore, it’s safe to suggest that part of this process for many Winnipeggers is about getting back what is rightfully theirs, and filling a hole that has been in this city since 1996. Therefore, to them, the process for the return of the NHL is not complete until the Jets name is restored. We can’t ignore that this is too personal for too many people.

There are a million reasons for naming the team the Jets, whether it is history, brand recognition, or popularity, but at the end of the day, it’s very simple: it is what the majority of fans want, and what many of them need. It’s what Winnipeg needs. Too many fans are too emotionally invested in the Jets name. Anything else could have a devastating impact. Emotions and feelings are at stake.

This is why we chanted “go Jets go” at Portage & Main and at the Forks. This is why we will chant “go Jets go” at the first game, regardless of whether the new team name is Jets or not. And while it is not meant to disrespect a different team name, I fear it may come across as that to the media and fans outside of Winnipeg. It could damage a different team name, making it a marketing blunder. Winnipeg Jets is such a sure thing.

In the end, this decision tugs at the heartstrings of many Winnipeggers so it needs to be made with absolute care. Given True North’s exceptional track record to date, I have no doubt it will be treated this way, and in the end, the right decision will be made. Last Tuesday this city exploded in celebration thanks to True North. You have the ability to do it again.

Thank you for taking the time to read this.

Ps. Many colleagues and some friends (many of which are now season ticket holders) have asked me to include their name in this e-mail as an expression of their support for the Winnipeg Jets name as well. Those people are included in the “cc” field.

http://www.gopetition.com/petition/39649.html

Shane Curtis, B. Comm (Hons)
Auditor | INTERNAL AUDIT

I received the following cookie cutter response from "Scott Brown":

From: True North Reception [mailto:Reception@truenorth.mb.ca]
Sent: Tuesday, June 07, 2011 1:24 PM
To: Curtis, Shane
Subject: RE: My Support for the Winnipeg Jets Name

To Mr. Curtis,

Thank you for your interest in the return of NHL hockey to Winnipeg.  Please be aware that  any discussions of a team name are still taking place and a decision has not yet been made. Our first task is the successful completion of the Drive to 13,000 and final approval from the NHL at the Board of Governors meeting on June 21st.  Once that process is complete, we can turn our attention to the team name and logo.

Once again, thanks for your interest; we look forward to seeing you at MTS Centre for the 2011-12 hockey season.

Scott Brown
Director, Corporate Communications & Hockey Operations
True North Sports & Entertainment Limited
260 Hargrave Street :: Winnipeg, MB Canada :: R3C 5S5
www.moosehockey.com :: www.mtscentre.ca :: www.mtsiceplex.ca