Winnipeg Jets to fans: Sorry, no helmets allowed

So much for the “helmet pardy” in Winnipeg on Thursday night.

It was a cheeky grass-roots plan hatched by some fans of the Winnipeg Jets, encouraging everyone to wear a helmet to the Jets game against the Chicago Blackhawks at MTS Center.

This was a pointed response to the spectator in Chicago who grabbed the helmet of Jets defenseman Adam Pardy in a game at United Center this month after he had been pushed into the plexiglass, and the glass pane came off its support.

That’s when Pardy’s helmet was taken off his head and the fan put it on. The Blackhawks’ organization is arguably one of the most media-conscious in the league and apologies immediately came from the highest levels of the team.

Suffice it to say, the Jets were quite quick to put down the helmet movement, issuing a statement on Wednesday from Mark Chipman, one of the team’s owners:

“Earlier this week, we learned of a media-promoted stunt to have Winnipeg Jets fans wear helmets to the game on Thursday, November 21st versus the Chicago Blackhawks.

“I would like to let our fans know we in no way endorse this idea and in fact wish to personally advise that we will not permit fans to wear such headgear at tomorrow’s game.

“The Chicago Blackhawks organization, for whom we hold a great deal of respect, conducted themselves with the highest degree of professionalism in the wake of the unfortunate incident on November 6th. We immediately received apologies from Team President & Governor John McDonough & General Manager Stan Bowman.

“The Blackhawks organization have also personally expressed their gratitude to Winnipeg Jets defenseman Adam Pardy for the way in which he handled himself in a very difficult situation. As well, the particular individual involved that night has extended a sincere apology to Adam and our organization. He is extremely remorseful and has made an unnecessary yet very meaningful donation to the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation.”

In other words ... leave your helmets at home, folks.

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