Fan safety won’t be much of a concern when the Blackhawks travel to Winnipeg on Thursday.
That’s because, in honor of the drunken Hawks fan who briefly commandeered Jets defenseman Adam Pardy‘s helmet during a game in Chicago earlier this month, many of the 15,000 fans in attendance at MTS Centre are expected to show up with their heads well-protected.
The so-called “Helmet Pardy” is the brainchild of Winnipeg radio host Dave Wheeler, who brought up the idea of filling the arena with helmeted fans for the Jets’ first matchup with the Blackhawks since the incident of hilarious fan interference.
[tweet https://twitter.com/Wheelerj28/status/400966631859318784 align=’center’]
The idea spread like wildfire across Twitter and online message boards, with word even getting back to Pardy himself.
“I’ve kinda let it just fly under the radar, haven’t paid a whole lot of attention to it,” the blueliner told the Calgary Herald on Tuesday. “They’re talking about doing some Helmet Party here or something. I don’t know what’s going on there. It’s just a funny sequence. I’m sure it’ll be highlight for a while.
“My buddies are still talking about it. I’m sure they’re going to be making fun of me about it for a while.”
Check out a promotional poster for the unofficial event below, and keep scrolling to refresh your memory of the original incident.
[tweet https://twitter.com/MTSCentreChants/status/403163677785747457 align=’center’]
UPDATE: Apparently, the Jets were not too fond of the idea. Here is an official statement released by the team Wednesday afternoon:
“Earlier this week, we learned of a media-promoted stunt to have Winnipeg Jets fans wear helmets to the game on Thursday, November 21st versus the Chicago Blackhawks.
I would like to let our fans know we in no way endorse this idea and in fact and wish to personally advise that we will not permit fans to wear such headgear at tomorrow’s game.
The Chicago Blackhawks organization, for whom we hold a great deal of respect, conducted themselves with the highest degree of professionalism in the wake of the unfortunate incident on November 6th. We immediately received apologies from Team President & Governor John McDonough & General Manager Stan Bowman. The Blackhawks organization have also personally expressed their gratitude to Winnipeg Jets defenceman Adam Pardy for the way in which he handled himself in a very difficult situation. As well, the particular individual involved that night has extended a sincere apology to Adam and our organization. He is extremely remorseful and has made an unnecessary yet very meaningful donation to the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation.
I sincerely believe we have the best fans in the entire National Hockey League. Their passion for the game is unequaled. However, this is about professionalism and respect for our great game and for the NHL. These are principles we attempt to follow in all aspects of how we play and present the game of hockey. Adam Pardy exemplified these characteristics and I am confident Winnipeg Jets fans will display that same respect and professionalism this Thursday by refraining from participating in this stunt and not wearing helmets to tomorrow’s game.”
