’Tis a Puzzlement
August 14, 2024
As one might expect, I’ve had quite the variety of emails pass through my inbox over the years. But none so puzzling as the one that popped up the other day.
Subject: Special Request for a Lifetime WPG Jets Fan
Hello Winnipeg Jets and associates!
Our family is planning a special trip from Ottawa to Winnipeg to celebrate Christmas with all of our extended family. Coincidentally, on December 28th, the Ottawa Senators will face off against the Winnipeg Jets – a game that holds deep meaning for us.
Our dad, [name redacted], has been a devoted fan of the Winnipeg Jets all his life. The Jets have been a cherished part of his world, especially since the team’s return in 2011. Over the years, [name redacted] has collected countless photos and memorabilia, and his love for the Jets is evident in every corner of his home here in Ottawa. He is not only an incredible and devoted fan, but also a hardworking man and Dad who has always gone above and beyond for his family.
This Christmas, we wanted to do something extraordinary to show him how much we appreciate him. We couldn't think of a better way to celebrate the holidays than by bringing him back to his hometown to witness a game that would mean so much to him.
We would be incredibly grateful if there is anything your team could do to make this experience even more special for him. Since it’s difficult to show how much the Jets mean to him through an email, we have attached some images that show the devotion our Dad has had for the team over the years.
Thank you for taking the time to read this. We look forward to hearing from you.
Warmest regards,
[names, phone number and email address redacted]
From the wording, it seems likely that someone connected to the team, along with me, was bcc’d on this, in addition to possibly several others. The author’s naivete is practically dripping off the screen. Clearly, the organization’s well-known supreme indifference toward its customers hasn’t made its way out to Ottawa. I would suggest a response of any kind from them is about as likely as Justin Trudeau joining the Conservative Party. But why I was part of that group also remains a mystery.
I’ll assume it has to do with my long-standing Winnipeg Jets Memorial Site, though it’s not as though I don’t make it clear that it only covers the Jets. The real (1972-96) Jets, that is. Not the former Atlanta Thrashers franchise that Manitoba taxpayers were forced to purchase for Mark Chipman. Perhaps I need to put it in flashing bold letters on the main landing page.
In any event, I can’t fathom what I could possibly do for him. I don’t live in Winnipeg anymore and haven’t been any farther west than London since touching down at Pearson more than 10 years ago. Aside from advising him to invest in some good body armor if he intends on actually venturing into the war zone otherwise known as downtown Winnipeg. The late-December cold could help his odds of survival. The criminal element doesn’t like the cold any more than the rest of us do.
Whatever the case, if the guy really wants to see “his” team play, it’s good they’re planning the trip for this coming season.
Because this time next year, the team might very well be in Houston.
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