Former Jet relives the excitement of playoff hockey in Winnipeg
For the first time in 19 years, Winnipeg will host NHL playoff hockey, the excitement is palpable
Former Winnipeg Jet, Laurie Boschman relives the experience of being ice level at a Winnipeg Jets playoff game, even though he now works with an NHL team in another province.
Boschman, who played for the Jets between 1982 and 1990, was there when the team made the playoffs seven times in eight years.
"I remember going through the tunnel and then just looking up and seeing all the white on the one side of the arena and then you get out there and it's just a sea of white. And it was just pretty neat as a player. And of course the energy," he said.
Boschman said Winnipeg's connection to its team is unique.
"I just think what makes the fans of Winnipeg and Manitoba special is just their love for the game," he said.
This week Winnipeggers are getting ready for their first playoff Whiteout in 19 years, where fans wear white to show their support.
The original Whiteout started back in the late 80s and Boschman had an experience that many only ever dream of: seeing it from centre ice.
"As hockey players, you're focused in on the job at hand and certainly when you get out there and your fans are excited about playoff hockey," Boschman said.
"I can imagine that the players will certainly feed off the excitement and it's just very helpful as a player."
Playoff history
When Boschman played for the Jets the team made playoff appearances in all but the 1988-1989 season.
During those seven playoff berths Boschman played 34 games, scored five goals, tallied 15 points and 87 penalty minutes.
<a href="https://twitter.com/CBCInfoRad">@CBCInfoRad</a> I had a Laurie Boschman poster on my wall! <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/cbcmb?src=hash">#cbcmb</a>. <a href="http://t.co/aFWbuin6Q9">pic.twitter.com/aFWbuin6Q9</a>
—@ne1sonshineThese days Boschman works for Hockey Ministries International and is the chapel leader for the Ottawa Senators - but he's still rooting for the Jets, at least a little bit.
"I'm very excited for the fans of Manitoba and especially the city of Winnipeg."
CBC host Marcy Markusa of Information Radio asked Boschman to describe what it was like playing in Manitoba and being one of what she called the "rock stars of Winnipeg."
"The guys are just doing what they really love to do and that's play hockey. And that's where they sense this real freedom," Boschman said. "And hopefully [that helps them get] closer to the ultimate goal, which is to win the cup."
Boschman said the playing field has leveled somewhat in the past few years which makes the playoffs everyone's tournament.
"I think nowadays there's so much parity in the National Hockey League that it doesn't matter if you're like the Los Angeles Kings of last year, you get in with the eight spot and you win the Stanley Cup... If you get good goaltending ... if a player or two gets hot, it can make all the difference."
His other prediction is that, as always, injuries will play a role because "It's such a tough tournament."