NHL Arenas: Ranking the Central Division Teams’ Homes

Nov 18, 2014; Winnipeg, Manitoba, CAN; General view of MTS Centre prior to the game against the Winnipeg Jets and New Jersey Devils. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Fedyck-USA TODAY Sports

Central Division Arena #6: MTS Centre (Winnipeg Jets)

Sixth in our Central Division arena ranking: MTS Centre and the Winnipeg Jets. When the Atlanta Thrashers were moved to Winnipeg in 2011, the team got the same name as the city’s original franchise. However, they got a complete rebranding — a new logo, new color scheme, new jerseys and even a new arena.

Well, the arena wasn’t that new anymore, as it’s been the home of the AHL’s Manitoba Moose from 2004 to 2011. The Moose were the first team to play in the brand-new arena back then, but were kicked out when NHL hockey returned to Winnipeg. Manitoba had to wait for a happy ending until this season, when the St. John’s Ice Caps were transformed back into the Manitoba Moose, playing as the Jet’s farm team.

Unfortunately, the arena itself is kind of odd. It isn’t exceptionally ugly — not at all. The problem I have with it is rather that if I drove by it, I’d totally think it’s a shopping mall. It’s just a random building in downtown Winnipeg that looks more like a mall or office building than an NHL hockey arena. Oh well, at least the city can be happy to have both its teams back.

Next: Central Division Arena #5