Dale Hawerchuk, the legendary former Jets captain and Hall of Famer, is officially returning to the Winnipeg Jets — this time, not as a player, but as the team’s new Senior Coach and Executive Advisor.
The announcement, made at a surprise press conference inside Canada Life Centre this morning, was met with thunderous applause and immediate emotional reactions across the hockey world. Hawerchuk, who is widely regarded as one of the greatest players in Jets history, addressed a packed media room with a message of inspiration, ambition, and homecoming.
“This city gave me everything,” Hawerchuk said, standing behind the Jets logo once again. “Now it’s my turn to give everything I’ve got to this team, to help them climb higher than ever before. I’m not just here to advise. I’m here to win.”
A Return Like No Other: Hawerchuk’s Emotional Comeback
Dale Hawerchuk’s return is more than just a feel-good story — it’s a deeply symbolic and historic reunion. Hawerchuk was the face of the original Winnipeg Jets franchise, drafted first overall in 1981. Over nine seasons in Winnipeg, he amassed:
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929 points in 713 games
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Five 100-point seasons
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An enduring legacy as one of the classiest and most respected figures in NHL history
But beyond his on-ice brilliance, Hawerchuk’s story is also one of courage and resilience.
In 2020, he bravely stepped away from his head coaching duties with the OHL’s Barrie Colts to undergo treatment for stomach cancer. The entire hockey world rallied behind him during his battle. After several years away from the NHL spotlight, and now fully recovered, Hawerchuk is ready to embark on a new chapter — back where it all began.
His Role: More Than a Title
The Jets organization confirmed that Hawerchuk’s official title will be Senior Coaching Consultant and Executive Advisor to Hockey Operations — a hybrid role that blends hands-on coaching with strategic input on player development and team structure.
General Manager Kevin Cheveldayoff explained:
“Dale will be involved in everything from mentorship of young players, to tactical input during key stretches, to front-office decision-making. This is not a ceremonial role — Dale is back to build something real.”
Hawerchuk himself added:
“I’ll be on the ice. I’ll be in the locker room. I’ll be in the video rooms and in the stands scouting. I want to help this team get over the hump — not just into the playoffs, but deep.”
Jets Players React: “We’re Fired Up”
The current Jets roster, already boasting top-tier talent like Kyle Connor, Mark Scheifele, Connor Hellebuyck, and Josh Morrissey, now gets a major injection of hockey IQ and leadership.
Team captain Adam Lowry was among the first to speak out:
“This is huge. We grew up watching Dale’s highlights. Now he’s back in our locker room? It’s unreal. We’re fired up.”
Young forward Cole Perfetti said:
“Having a legend like that teaching us every day? That’s a dream come true. I can’t wait to learn from him.”
A Statement of Intent from the Organization
After a string of promising but ultimately underwhelming playoff runs, the Jets are clearly signaling that they’re all-in on a serious push for contention. Hawerchuk’s appointment is both a symbolic homecoming and a practical move to elevate team culture, structure, and identity.
Head Coach Rick Bowness, who remains at the helm for now, welcomed Hawerchuk’s addition:
“I’ve coached a lot of legends, but Dale brings something special. His understanding of the game is second to none, and he’s got the respect of everyone from the dressing room to the press box.”
Fans Overwhelmed with Emotion
Jets Nation responded immediately, flooding social media with messages of joy and gratitude. Within minutes of the announcement, #HawerchukReturns, #WelcomeHomeDale, and #JetsLegend were trending across Canada.
Fans gathered outside Canada Life Centre chanting his name and holding vintage No. 10 jerseys — many in tears.
Lifelong fan Shelley Martens, who attended Dale’s first game in 1981, said:
“He’s the soul of this team. Seeing him back where he belongs? It feels like our hockey heart has come home.”
The NHL Community Responds
Across the league, fellow legends and franchises sent messages of support and praise.
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Wayne Gretzky posted:
“Dale Hawerchuk is one of the smartest players I ever faced. The Jets just got a whole lot stronger. Love seeing him back.”
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Sidney Crosby told reporters:
“He’s an icon. Every young Canadian forward has learned something by watching his game.”
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NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman issued a statement:
“Dale Hawerchuk is a symbol of excellence, both as a player and a human being. His return is a victory for the game of hockey.”
Looking Ahead: What This Means for the Jets
The Jets enter the 2025–26 NHL season with renewed energy and high expectations. With a veteran roster, one of run since the team’s rebirth in 2011.
Analysts are already raising eyebrows.
TSN’s Darren Dreger called the move “one of the smartest hires of the offseason.”
Sportsnet’s Elliotte Friedman added:the league’s best goalies, and now a legend behind the scenes helping guide the ship, Winnipeg could be poised for its deepest playoff
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