Manitoba government commits up to $300,000 for Jets whiteout rallies

Winnipeg Jets fans attend a street party prior to game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche in Winnipeg, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Greenslade

WINNIPEG – The Manitoba government is ponying up cash to help rally support for the hometown high-flying Winnipeg Jets as the NHL playoffs loom.

Premier Wab Kinew says the province will contribute up to $300,000 for “white-out parties,” which are outdoor rallies held outside the Jets’ arena during playoff home games.

The game itself is shown on big screens.

Winnipeg Jets fans attend a street party prior to game 2 of the NHL hockey Stanley Cup first-round playoff series against the Colorado Avalanche in Winnipeg, Tuesday, April 23, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Fred Greenslade

Tickets will cost $10, with half of the money going to charity.

The Jets have never won a Stanley Cup, but hopes are high this year that Winnipeg will be the city to break Canada’s multi-decade Stanley Cup drought.

The Jets have the best record in the 32-team league, with just over a week to go before the start of the post-season.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published April 8, 2025.