Dear Winnipeg Jets family,
I sincerely thank you.
As I sit down to write these lines, I am overcome with emotion and great thankfulness. From the moment I put on my Winnipeg Jets shirt, I felt I was a part of something incredibly unique. What I didn’t realize was how much this city, this team, and all of you—fans and community—would influence my life and career.
I was a wide-eyed kid when my name was announced at the 2011 NHL Draft. The Jets had recently returned to Winnipeg, and I was honoured to be the first draft pick in this new era of franchise history. I realized then that I had the potential to grow with a team built on heart, perseverance, and identity. But I had no idea how much I would grow because of you.
Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to skate with some of the league’s top teammates and play for coaches who believed in me even when I questioned myself. Above all, I had the unflinching support of a community that never forgot my roots, what I stood for, or who I represented every time I went on the ice.
Winnipeg, you hugged me. You accepted me not only as a player, but as one of your own. From toddlers wearing my jerseys to veterans shaking my hand and families standing in the bitter cold to watch us play, you demonstrated true commitment. You brought significance to my path, and I gave everything I had in return.
The Jets organization provided me with opportunities to develop as a leader, mentor, and man, in addition to my hockey skills. Whether it was the many sessions at Bell MTS Iceplex, the high-stakes playoff runs, or the community visits that lighted up youthful faces, each moment shaped me in ways that no stat line could.
To my past and present teammates, you are my brothers. We’ve bled together, faced struggle, shared smiles and heartbreaks, and encouraged one another to be better. Those locker room moments, long road journeys, and amazing comebacks will live in my soul forever.
To the fans: thank you for every slogan, sign, cheer, and even the difficult moments when you held us accountable. You kept us grounded. You elevated us higher. You reminded us what it meant to play for this crest.
To the city of Winnipeg and all of Manitoba, you did more than merely support me. You believed in me. Because of this, I never stopped believing in myself.
This is not our final goodbye. It is gratitude. It’s a legacy. It is love. Whatever path I take from here, know that the spirit of the Jets will always be in my heart.
I am forever grateful.
Mark Scheifele
(#55)
Winnipeg Jet for life in heart and soul 💙✈️