Jets’epitome of fan spirit, Nolin, eyes Round 2

It’s hard to miss Dan Nolin’s Jets mobile as it cruises through Winnipeg. The blue 1971 Chevy Vega wagon, covered in stickers and mini-sticks, topped with a replica Stanley Cup, and filled with gas, is ready for Round 2 of the NHL playoffs. “It’s amazing. I get smiles everywhere I go,” said Nolin, his voice cracking with emotion. “It’s just fun. It’s so much fun.”

It’s meant to get attention…

That it does. The wailing rooftop siren demands attention, driving excitement among Winnipeggers for their beloved Jets. The Vega is festooned with rope lighting, Jets hubcaps, flags held aloft by hockey sticks, a goalie mask, a jet fighter plane, a plush Mick E. Moose, and mini-sticks on the hood, doors, and wiper blades. Nolin, similarly dressed in Jets gear, even offers a secondary helmet for passengers to get into the spirit.

The ‘Jets mobile’ effect

Nolin’s obsession launched in 2015 with a simple Jets licence plate. Not long afterwards, the Jets clinched their first Stanley Cup playoff appearance since relocating to Winnipeg from Atlanta. “Ever since then, I just keep on going. I just keep having fun with it,” Nolin said.

Not only does it get attention, it sparks goodwill. While driving around ahead of Game 7, Nolin was approached by a stranger with a spare ticket. He offered it to his friend, Richard, who attended his first Jets game and witnessed one of the greatest games ever played at the Canada Life Centre.

Jets in tough against Dallas for Round 2

The Jets advanced to the second round with a double overtime comeback shocker against the Blues, punching their ticket to a best-of-seven series against the Dallas Stars beginning Wednesday. But what are their chances of motoring deeper into the post-season?

“On paper, you would say the task just got a lot more daunting,” said Rogers Sportsnet’s Sean Reynolds. The Stars nipped at the Jets’ heels during the stretch run of the regular season, and the teams finished 1-2 in the Western Division. However, the Jets shouldn’t be underestimated. They proved their worth by winning the first round against a wildcard team without their injured star, Mark Scheifele.

The Jets have the reigning Vezina Trophy winner, Connor Hellebuyck, with a strong chance to win it again and is also up for the Hart Memorial Trophy. But he struggled mightily against the Blues before returning to form in Game 7. One place Winnipeg and Dallas draw even is in their flair for the dramatic. Like the Jets, the Stars pulled off a Game 7 comeback, rallying with four straight goals in the third period to eliminate the Colorado Avalanche.

The X factor: Winnipeg’s die-hard fans

The X factor for the Jets could be their fan base. The Blues’ fans created a menacing experience for the visiting Jets, but Dallas will not have that kind of environment. “What you saw in St. Louis was amazing. What you see in Winnipeg is supernatural,” said Reynolds.

FAQs

Q: Who is Dan Nolin?

A: Dan Nolin is a Winnipeg Jets superfan known for his iconic Jets mobile.

Q: What is the ‘Jets mobile’?

A: The ‘Jets mobile’ is a blue 1971 Chevy Vega wagon covered in Jets-themed decorations, driven by fan Dan Nolin to spread excitement for the Winnipeg Jets.

Q: Who are the Winnipeg Jets playing in Round 2?

A: The Winnipeg Jets are playing the Dallas Stars in the second round of the NHL playoffs.

As the Jets gear up for Round 2, one thing’s for sure: Nolin’s Jets mobile will continue to fire up the city, spreading joy and excitement to fans young and old. So, keep an eye out for the blue Vega, and remember, the Winnipeg Jets are ready to take flight!

Go Jets, go!