As the hockey world turns its attention to Milan for the upcoming Winter Olympics, the Winnipeg Jets will be well-represented on the international stage - and not just by the current stars lighting up NHL arenas.
Team USA will feature two of the Jets’ cornerstones in Connor Hellebuyck and Kyle Connor. Hellebuyck, one of the league’s most consistent goaltenders, brings his trademark calm and elite puck-tracking to the American crease.
Meanwhile, Connor adds his dynamic scoring touch to a U.S. forward group that’s built for speed and finesse. North of the border, Josh Morrissey will anchor Team Canada’s blue line, bringing his smooth skating, smart positioning, and offensive instincts to a defensive corps that will be counted on in big moments.
But the Jets’ Olympic footprint runs deeper than the current NHL roster. A handful of former Jets and Manitoba Moose players will also be suiting up for their home countries, offering fans a chance to reconnect with some familiar names who once wore Winnipeg colors.
Leon Gawanke - Germany
Leon Gawanke, now 26, carved out a solid role during his four seasons with the Manitoba Moose, the Jets’ AHL affiliate. Known for his offensive instincts from the back end, Gawanke tallied 114 points in 207 AHL games - a strong showing for a defenseman still developing his all-around game. After a brief stint with the San Jose Barracuda, he took his game overseas, landing with Adler Mannheim in Germany’s top league (DEL).
Now, Gawanke is set to represent Germany in Milan, likely slotting into a bottom-pairing role. But don’t be surprised if his puck-moving ability and North American experience give him a bigger impact than his depth chart position suggests. Germany has been trending upward in recent international play, and Gawanke’s steady presence could be a quiet X-factor for their blue line.
Haralds Egle - Latvia
Latvian forward Haralds Egle took a different path to the Olympics, but his journey also ran through Winnipeg. After wrapping up a strong collegiate career at Clarkson University, Egle joined the Moose to kickstart his pro career. He appeared in 55 games over two seasons, collecting 19 points - not eye-popping numbers, but enough to earn opportunities in European leagues.
Now 29, Egle is skating with HC Energie Karlovy Vary in the Czech Extraliga and will be part of Team Latvia’s Olympic roster. He’s projected to serve as an extra forward, likely rotating into the lineup as needed. For Latvia - a team that thrives on structure, work ethic, and surprise performances - Egle’s versatility and international experience could come in handy if the tournament throws them into a battle of attrition.
A Global Stage with Local Ties
For Jets fans, the Milan tournament offers more than just national pride. It’s a chance to see familiar faces - both current stars and former prospects - compete at the highest level. Hellebuyck, Connor, and Morrissey will carry the banner for Team USA and Canada, but Gawanke and Egle bring their own stories and roots in the Jets organization to the Olympic spotlight.
In a tournament where every shift matters and national colors take center stage, Winnipeg’s hockey family will be scattered across the globe - but united in the chase for gold.