Former Jet Dale Hawerchuk enjoying Winnipeg’s playoff run, Scheifele’s success
LAS VEGAS — As a former Winnipeg Jet who had a hand in a current Jet’s success, Dale Hawerchuk is doubly interested in this year’s NHL Western Conference final.
Hawerchuk, a Jets centre from 1981 to 1990, coached current Jets centreman Mark Scheifele for three seasons when he played for the Barrie Colts from 2010 to 2013.
Hawerchuk played for Jets 1.0 before that franchise moved to Arizona in 1996. Scheifele was the first player Jets 2.0 drafted in 2011 after the Atlanta Thrashers’ relocation to Winnipeg.
Scheifele’s shot, skating, work ethic and leadership that helped Winnipeg advance to this year’s conference final against the Vegas Golden Knights emerged during his Colt years, Hawerchuk said.