Scheifele Builds Jets Legacy Parallel to Hawerchuk’s

Mark Scheifele, a native of Kitchener, Ontario, has made significant strides in the NHL, establishing a legacy reminiscent of Jets legend Dale Hawerchuk. Scheifele’s journey began in the Ontario Hockey League (OHL) with the Barrie Colts, where he was mentored by Hawerchuk.

Scheifele’s Development Under Hawerchuk

Hawerchuk coached Scheifele in Barrie, fostering a vital relationship. Scheifele, drafted as the number seven overall pick in the 2011 NHL Draft, credits Hawerchuk for his development.

In a 2018 interview, Scheifele recalled his decision to join Barrie. “Dale pretty much singlehandedly talked to me to come to Barrie,” he said. “I learned something new from him every single day.”

A Glimpse Into Hawerchuk’s Legacy

Dale Hawerchuk is regarded as one of the premier centers of the 1980s, a time dominated by legends like Wayne Gretzky and Mario Lemieux. Historian Andrew Podnieks highlighted that Hawerchuk lived up to his selection as the first overall pick in the 1981 NHL Draft throughout his impressive career.

• Selected by the Winnipeg Jets in 1981 as the No. 1 pick.
• Faced challenges due to the presence of Gretzky and Lemieux during his era.

Scheifele’s Stellar Performance

Mark Scheifele’s performance mirrors that of Hawerchuk. Last season, he achieved a career-high of 87 points, scoring 39 goals and providing 48 assists in 82 games. His on-ice synergy with Kyle Connor led the Jets to score 80 goals collectively.

The Winnipeg Jets finished the season strong with a record of 56 wins, 22 losses, and 4 overtime losses, clinching the prestigious Presidents’ Trophy for the best regular season record.

Current Season Highlights

This season, Scheifele continues to shine, leading Winnipeg in scoring with 21 points, including nine goals and twelve assists in just sixteen games. His performance has solidified his status as a key player in the franchise.

On October 18, during a 4-1 victory against the Nashville Predators, Scheifele surpassed Blake Wheeler in the franchise scoring list, showcasing his growing legacy within the organization.

Teammates’ Recognition

Teammates have praised Scheifele for his character and work ethic. Jets defenseman Logan Stanley noted, “Mark is an unbelievable teammate and human. It’s incredible to watch what he does every night.”

As he builds his legacy, Scheifele parallels the achievements of Hawerchuk, reinforcing his impact on the Winnipeg Jets franchise.