Non-Playing Personnel

The following is a list, far from exhaustive, of some of the more prominent names in Jets history that didn't actually play for the team.

John Ferguson, General Manager, a volatile man who ruled with an iron fist, much the way he played. Known for his smoky cigars and violent temper, so much so, that a separate, enclosed booth with one-way glass had to be constructed for him in the press box at the Arena. To his credit, he was an honorable man, one who kept his word. He had a plan, and stuck to it, though the mediocrity and volatility of his tenure speaks for itself. Personally, I'll never forgive him for bull-headedly proceeding with a game against the New Jersey Devils during a horrible snowstorm, the only game I was forced to miss in my first four seasons as a season ticket holder. That night, the Devils had to have their pre-game meal at McDonald's. Roads were blocked throughout the city, but play on they did. The uniforms which debuted in 1979 and lasted many years thereafter were the work of Ferguson, who forced the same style on the Rangers when he was their GM. While here, he did his best to wipe away any traces of the WHA within our minds, something for which he should be should be ashamed, as that was a proud time in Winnipeg Jets history.

Ben Hatskin, founder, signed Bobby Hull to a contract at Portage and Main that got the WHA off and running. Never was given proper due respect after his involvement with the Jets ended and upon his death. Hatskin's probably turning over in his grave when he sees how the team was run in Winnipeg, and now in Arizona. Thanks, Ben, for 24 seasons of Winnipeg Jets hockey that would not have happened without your vision and money. Read more about the Ben Hatskin story here.

Dan Maloney, coach for a short tenure, and like the many that came before and after him, was largely unsuccessful.

Tom McVie, coach, led the team to the Avco Cup championship in the final season of the WHA after replacing Larry Hillman, then led the Jets through their first season and part of the second season in the NHL.

Barry Shenkarow, president/part owner, the single biggest reason for the failures of the Jets both on and off the ice, as well as the biggest reason that the Winnipeg Jets no longer exist.

Michael Smith, General Manager. Successor to John Ferguson, known as "Mikhail" Smith due to his propensity to draft Russian players, mostly without success. His tenure was a bigger flop than that of the volatile Ferguson.

Tom Watt, coach, led the Jets to their first NHL playoff appearance, but like so many that came after him, his tenure came to a quick end.

Richard Burke, who, along with Stephen Gluckstern, purchased the Jets from Barry Shenkarow and moved them to Arizona. A true Shenkarow protege that operated the team in the same manner that it was run in Winnipeg. Burke ultimately sold out to the group led by Steve Ellman and Wayne Gretzky in 2001, but the team, under his ownership, was no different than it was under Shenkarow.

Dr. Greg James, "played" for the Jets from 1978-1986, but never took the ice. He was the organist during that time who sat in the south end and toiled at one of hockey's oldest and sorely missed professions. Currently, he is the owner/operator of the River Park Dental Center.