Winnipeg Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck displays his connection to the community

Yesterday ahead of the Jets golf tournament we had a chance to catch up with reigning Hart Trophy and Vezina winner Connor Hellebuyck as he gets back to Winnipeg following the NHL Media Tour in Vegas and ahead of training camp.

While he discussed the topics you’d expect such as the lessons coming out of the playoffs last season and his take on the state of the current Jets, he also showed the importance of being part of the community here in Manitoba.

He was asked about the opportunity to reconnect with his teammates after a summer away and while he acknowledged that, his answer highlighted something different. He spoke about getting to know people in the community. He saw it as a chance to learn about his “fellow” Winnipeggers.

“I just got in a couple days ago so catching up with everyone is nice and this allows me to see everyone in the same area. Not only that, got to talk to some interesting people that really look forward to this tournament. It kinda goes back to how close this community gets and things like this help that.”

The follow-up question asked him for clarity if community members were people he gets to golf with.

“Yeah, exactly. Guys I get to golf with. I was sitting at a table with who Toews is golfing with today. I was just talking with them and what they do for a living. What they do in Winnipeg. What they do to call (it) home.”

Hellebuyck has been in Manitoba for 10 seasons already and you can hear the connection the fans feel towards 37 when he is announced in the starting lineup or following a game when he is named one of the 3 Stars. But the sentiment he expressed on Monday also showed how players see Winnipeg as a home and not just a place they work for eight (or more) months out of the year.