A significant comeback inherently involves a degree of uncertainty. However, for Jonathan Toews, his return to the NHL holds even deeper meaning for everyone involved because it is happening in Manitoba, his home province.
Speaking publicly for the first time since finalizing a one-year contract with the Winnipeg Jets on June 20, following a full two-year hiatus from professional hockey, Toews shared his candid thoughts on this personal career milestone.
“I’m just genuinely feeling fortunate to play hockey again at this level, especially for the Winnipeg Jets,” he expressed.
It is uncommon for a city`s mayor and a province`s premier to personally greet a professional athlete upon their arrival, but this highlights the fervent passion in this relatively smaller, hockey-loving region. A place that was previously simply proud of a local hero`s accomplishments is now actively cheering for him while he wears the team`s colors.
“I was joking earlier that I anticipated some excitement, which I did,” Toews remarked. “But when my phone lit up the way it did after we announced the signing, the reality hit me. I thought, OK, there is considerable pressure playing in a Canadian market and high expectations, particularly given the Jets` performance in recent years. I am eager to be part of all that.”
Toews also touched upon the moment he realized a return to the sport was feasible. He discussed his healing process and the mental preparation required to come to terms with the potential end of his hockey career before he could even begin the physical work needed to pursue a possible comeback.
Duncan Priestley