Winnipeg Jets announce update on fan attendance policy ahead of series vs. Canadiens

Despite having the smallest capacity of any NHL venue, Bell MTS Place in Winnipeg is one of the loudest and most raucous atmospheres not only in hockey, but in all of sports come playoff time. 

Unfortunately, thanks to Provincial public health orders prohibiting gatherings of any kind, we've not yet been treated to the amazing "White-Out" atmosphere for a home Winnipeg Jets playoff game. The thrilling overtime games against the Edmonton Oilers in Round 1 of their recently completed playoff series would have surely blown the roof off the venue. 

However, things will be a bit different beginning with their Round 2 playoff series against the Montreal Canadiens. 

Starting with Game 1 of the series, 500 healthcare workers who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 will be allowed inside of the venue, as announced by the Jets earlier today on social media. 

The announcement comes on the heels of Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister stating during a briefing on Tuesday afternoon that the Jets would be able to welcome a small amount of people into their venue for the Stanley Cup Playoffs.

“Yeah, I think there will be some fans — a small number, a few — in the next Jets game and I know they’ll be safe and I know they’ll be careful and I know they’ll follow public health rules,” said Pallister.

“And I think we should take that as a sign of some small amount of optimism that we can start to get our lives back here in Manitoba.”

The decision is similar to that of the Toronto Maple Leafs, who hosted a similar number of fully vaccinated health-care workers for Game 7 of their Round 1 playoff series vs. Montreal. 

Game 1 between the Jets and Canadiens will get underway on Wednesday starting at 7:30 p.m. ET / 4:30 p.m. PT on Sportsnet.