Winnipeg Jets Morning Papers: Today’s Hockey Headlines | Feb 23, 2026

Note: The Jets got some good news on Saturday after practice as head coach Scott Arniel announced that defenceman Neal Pionk is ready to return to the lineup after missing 11 straight games. They were off yesterday but will be back on the ice as they get ready for their first game post-Olympic break in Vancouver on Wednesday. Check back for the Practice Report.

Note II: If you got up in the early morning hours on Sunday you got to witness Jets goalie Connor Hellebuyck lead the Americans to victory making 41 saves in the victory to lead his team to gold.

Note III: The Moose had a good start to the game yesterday but it didn’t last long as the bottom dwelling Wild came to town and took three of four including a 5-1 win on Sunday. It was a milestone moment for Jets draft pick Tyrel Bauer who played in his 200th game. They are off today.

Note IV: On Saturday in the OHL, Jets prospect Kevin He (2024 4th) scored again which gave him a 10-game goal streak (15 goals on it) but that streak came to an end on Sunday although he did come close to extending it a couple of times late in the game. Jacob Cloutier (2025 7th) continued his good fortune this weekend as he scored his 14th on Saturday and did again on Sunday getting his 15th. Pair of assists for Kieron Walton (2024 6th) who is tied for 3rd in the league for points. Over in the WHL, it was a good weekend for Owen Martin (2025 3rd) who had 2G 1A on Friday and followed that up with a 1G 3A performance on Saturday. Lastly, in the SHL it was a productive couple of games for Alfons Freij (2024 2nd) who found the back of the net three times in the last two games.

Jets news:

Winnipeg Sun: Jonathan Towes and the Jets season. It’s going to be interesting to see how this plays out. 

Winnipeg Free Press: Canada finds no solace in second place after 2-1 Olympic hockey loss to USA. (Paywall). Mike was front and centre and provided this game recap.

Winnipeg Free Press: ‘I felt I was doing everything right’: Hellebuyck leads USA to gold. (Paywall). Lots of praise was heaped on the Jets netminder.

Jets video:

TSN: Hellebuyck carries USA to gold despite incredible showing by Canada. Mark Masters was joined by Pierre LeBrun and Ryan Rishaug to discuss how Connor Hellebuyck was able to silence his critics and help the United States overcome a great performance by Canada in the gold medal game, the myriad of chances the Canadians weren’t able to make good on, the Tkachuk brothers reveling in the moment and Sidney Crosby’s comments after the game.