One of the first players named to the Winnipeg Jets Heritage Classic Alumni Game roster back in January was Chris Thorburn. Never one to shy away from dropping the gloves, the hard-nosed winger quickly became a fan favourite during the first season that NHL hockey returned to Winnipeg back in 2011-12.
Photo Credit: Colby Spence
But when the majority of the alumni roster was unveiled in late June, the popular No. 22 was no longer on it. We were informed a few days later that he was no longer 100% committed to participating in the event. Thorburn was subsequently named the St. Louis Blues’ Director of Player Development on July 1.
That seemed to all but end hopes of a GST line reunion, as the trio became one of the most popular lines during the Jets’ inaugural season back in Winnipeg, giving fans plenty to cheer about during a campaign that didn’t feature many victories.
But fans may not want to put those GST shirts away just yet.
Former Jets captain Blake Wheeler joined Kelly Moore and Jim Toth on Jets @ Noon on 680 CJOB and was asked whether there was any chance Thorburn could still suit up for the alumni game in late October.
“Obviously Thorbs was one of the first guys that got reached out to. I’m really hoping that we can make that happen. Certainly, that has been chirped about in the group text and all that. Yeah, that would be really cool to get them together and obviously it wouldn’t be the same if Thorbs wasn’t there. He had such a massive impact in his time in Winnipeg. The fans love him so much, but not even close to how much his teammates love him. That guy is as class as they come. We’ll be nudging him along. We may have to increase his appearance fee or something to get him to come, but we’ll try to make it happen.”
Whether Thorburn’s schedule ultimately allows him to take part remains to be seen, but based on Wheeler’s comments, hopes of a GST line reunion are still alive.
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