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Jets alumni welcome Blake Wheeler following retirement
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Photo credit: © James Carey Lauder-Imagn Images
Evan Waldner
Jul 26, 2025, 20:04 EDT
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The Winnipeg Jets have released a heartfelt message to former captain Blake Wheeler, following his official retirement from professional hockey.
Ray Neufeld—a former Jet from 1985 to 1989 and an active figure in the Winnipeg community—penned a letter on behalf of the Jets, welcoming Wheeler into the NHL’s expansive alumni network.
Neufeld, who serves as the Jets’ alumni ambassador, is often seen at local games and helps organize alumni and honourary nights at Canada Life Centre.
Wheeler, 38, announced his retirement last week after a 16-season NHL career spanning 1,172 games. Over that time, he tallied 321 goals and 943 points while playing for the Boston Bruins, Winnipeg Jets, and New York Rangers. He added another 45 points in 66 playoff appearances.
Neufeld’s letter reads:
Congratulations to Blake Wheeler on officially joining the Winnipeg Jets Alumni and Friends community. Blake, your contributions to the game of hockey and to the Winnipeg Jets Hockey Club were outstanding.
Your on-ice and off-ice contributions to the City of Winnipeg and the hockey community of Winnipeg will always be remembered.
Our alumni and the fans of Winnipeg are grateful. On behalf of the Winnipeg Jets Alumni and Friends, I wish to extend a sincere congratulations to fellow alumni who haven’t received formal recognition upon their retirement.
Your achievements are just as meaningful and valued in our Alumni Family. It’s wonderful to see our alumni network grow, those who have played for the Jets understand how special it is.
Thank you everyone, past, present and future, for continuing the legacy of the Winnipeg Jets Alumni and Friends.
Ray Neufeld
President, Alumni Ambassador – Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends
Wheeler served as the Jets’ captain from 2016 to 2022 and remains one of the most iconic figures of the franchise’s modern era.

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