Winnipeg Jets struggling to pack their arena despite historic start to the new season

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Tom Banks
November 14, 2024 (4:58 PM)

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The Winnipeg Jets are off to the best start in NHL history, but despite that, they still face criticism for struggling to get fans into the arena.

After 16 games this season, the Winnipeg Jets sit at 15-1-0, the best record of any team in league history through 16 games, and with seemingly every player on the team contributing to this success, there's confidence that this team can make a massive statement this season.

With the reigning Vezina Trophy winner and a lineup led by several star veterans, this team has continued rolling, and after their heartbreak of a year ago in the Stanley Cup Playoffs, they've got big goals.

However, this start is shocking for another reason as well, as the team has posted just the 30th overall attendance in the NHL in that stretch, which isn't a good sign for the Jets' second attempt to succeed in Winnipeg.

Sure, it has been pointed out that they have one of the smallest arenas in the entire NHL, but given the type of success and thrilling hockey that they are playing, fans should be packing the arena every single night.

With the cost of living continuing to rise in Canada, it is certainly understandable that the league has priced many fans out of attending games, but with so much success early in the year, one would expect that they can at least get a few more fans in the arena.

It's still early in the year however, so perhaps as this success continues fans will grow with their support and turn out, but given that there are teams like San Jose, Anaheim, and Chicago all struggling on the ice, the fact that Winnipeg rank ahead of just two NHL teams certainly isn't a good look for the league.