There are fewer things that are more exciting for Canadians than the beginning of the new National Hockey League season. With exhibition games having kicked off this week, the unofficial beginning to a new season of hockey has basically begun. Tonight, the newly-reformed Winnipeg Jets will play their first game against the Columbus Blue Jackets.

This, of course, is a huge deal in Winnipeg as NHL hockey has not been played in the capital of Manitoba since 1996. That year, the former Winnipeg Jets left to become the Phoenix Coyotes. The current Jets are a reincarnation of the Atlanta Thrashers, who were established in 1997. Upping the count to seven Canadian NHL teams, this upcoming hockey season is bound to be one of the most exciting in years.

“It’s awesome,” said one of our very excited Synergy reps earlier today, “Although I’m a Leafs fan, I’ll be watching the Jets pretty closely this season. I’m really happy for the people of Winnipeg. They deserved to get a team back. In fact, I hope that there are more Canadian teams in the NHL’s future”.

“Canada loves its hockey,” chimed in a co-worker, “So it only makes sense for there to be more teams in the country. Even though we aren’t as populated as the States, Canada is a place where hockey will always thrive. It’ll be pretty cool to see games with the Jets and the Leafs, or pretty much any other Canadian team this year.”

“It makes for great rivalries,” retorted the first rep, “There’s just something about Canadian teams facing off that sparks crazy excitement. I have family in Alberta who are pretty amped about this year’s season because they know that a major rivalry is brewing between the Oilers and Flames with the Jets. It should be a lot of fun.”

Jets forward Blake Wheeler likely couldn’t agree more. Taking to the ice in Winnipeg for the first NHL game in the city since 1996 is something he is definitely looking forward to. On TSN’s website, Blake comments about the energy and excitement taking place in the city this month.

Said Wheeler: “The city is just on fire, everywhere you go, every where you see is all Winnipeg Jets and it’s going to be special to be a part of it. The first game is going to be one of the crazier games any of us have played in. We’re all raring up for that game and I know the whole city is too. When that all comes together it’s going to be a special day.”