The Jets are back! As part of CBC’s Hockey Night in Canada‘s action-packed opening weekend, FUELLED BY PASSION: THE RETURN OF THE JETS tells the incredible story of the devastating loss and against-all-odds return of the Winnipeg Jets. It airs on CBC Television, Friday, Oct. 7, at 8 p.m. (8:30 NT), and again on Sunday, Oct. 9, at 3 p.m. ET.
In 1996, the Winnipeg Jets played their final game in the Winnipeg Arena. To the shock and disappointment of Winnipeggers and fans across the NHL, the team was sold to Phoenix and became the Coyotes. Despite seemingly insurmountable obstacles, an indefatigable team of people led by long-time believer Mark Chipman worked for 15 years to get the NHL back to Winnipeg—arguably the biggest comeback in NHL history.
The documentary contains many poignant interviews and conversations, including Barry Shenkarow (former owner of the Winnipeg Jets) on receiving death threats; NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman sharing a wager with Chipman on the future of the team; and a rare interview with current co-owner David Thomson.
FUELLED BY PASSION: THE RETURN OF THE JETS follows the players through rookie camp on to training camp, and then as they start to gel as a team as the regular season fast approaches. Featuring interviews with head coach Claude Noel and executive V.P. and general manager Kevin Cheveldayoff, the film gives new insight into how they make the tough choices to select who stays, and who goes. Featured player interviews include Jets captain Andrew Ladd, NHL veterans Eric Fehr and Chris Mason, along with new hopefuls: Winnipeg’s own Derek Meech and newcomer Mark Scheifele, whose explosive pre-season play allowed the 18-year-old to follow the path of his Barrie Colts coach and mentor, Dale Hawerchuk. We’ll also find out how former Jets great Hawerchuk was instrumental in leading his protégé to Winnipeg.
CBC’S HOCKEY NIGHT IN CANADA
Oct. 6 - 9, 2011
Thursday, Oct. 6:
6:30 p.m. ET - Molson Canadian NHL Face-Off
7 p.m. ET - Montreal at Toronto
10 p.m. ET - Pittsburgh at Vancouver
Friday, Oct. 7:
8 p.m. (8:30 NT) - Fuelled by Passion - The Return of the Jets
Saturday, Oct. 8:
5 p.m. ET - HNIC Game Day
6:30 p.m. ET - Scotiabank Hockey Tonight<
7 p.m. ET - Ottawa at Toronto
10 p.m. ET - Pittsburgh at Calgary>
Sunday, Oct. 9:
3 p.m. ET - Fuelled by Passion - The Return of the Jets
4 p.m. ET - Scotiabank Hockey Tonight
5 p.m. ET - Montreal at Winnipeg
About CBC/Radio-Canada:
CBC/Radio-Canada is Canada’s national public broadcaster and one of its largest cultural institutions. The Corporation is a leader in reaching Canadians on new platforms and delivers a comprehensive range of radio, television, Internet, and satellite-based services. Deeply rooted in the regions, CBC/Radio-Canada is the only domestic broadcaster to offer diverse regional and cultural perspectives in English, French and eight Aboriginal languages, plus seven languages for international audiences. In 2011, CBC/Radio-Canada is celebrating 75 years of serving Canadians and being at the centre of the democratic, social and cultural life of Canada
About Frantic Films
Frantic Films is one of Canada’s leading producers of live action film, television and commercial content. The company has produced over 350 hours of original live action programming, winning numerous creative awards and setting many ratings records. Its library of intelligent and innovative scripted and unscripted programming is seen in over 180 countries. Its Branded Content + Commercials division, specializes in creating original integrated multiplatform entertainment content. With offices in Toronto and Winnipeg, Frantic has won numerous corporate awards for leadership and financial performance. www.franticfilms.com
Join CBC Sports on Facebook: facebook.com/CBCSports
Follow CBC Sports on Twitter: twitter.com/cbcsports
For further information, please contact:
James Lamont, Veritas Communications
lamont@veritascanada.com
416-859-5870
Lynne Skromeda, Frantic Films
lskromeda@franticfilms.com
204-975-5117
