Winnipeg, MB – New Jersey Devils goalie Connor Hellebuyck will not face his former team, the Winnipeg Jets, when they play Tuesday night at the Canada Life Centre. According to Hellebuyck, he was ”really, really looking forward” to playing his old teammates but his “Mommy said he couldn’t.” He then produced a folded sheet of looseleaf and said, “See?”
“I was totally excited to face my old team to show them I’m not scared,” said Hellbuyck. “I obviously loved my time in Winnipeg and in Canada so I’m super sad my mom said I couldn’t play. Bummer.”
The note handed to reporters was written in block letters and read: “Please exkuse [sic] my son from playing against the Jets. He is too nice and smart and hansome [sic]. Signed, My Hellebuyck’s Mommy”
Jets coach Scott Arniel said, “We were looking forward to finding some closure with this game but if Connor’s Mom said he couldn’t play, I guess he’s not allowed. I hope he gets to use this time to visit his girlfriend who lives in Germany. She lives so far away and always seems to be super busy so she can’t come to any of his games.”
At press time, rumours circulated that it might have been a coaching decision not to play Hellebuyck out of a fear that he would not play well in Winnipeg in a high pressure situation and cost the Devils the game. Whether that is true or not, other players agreed that no sane team would admit that publicly.
