The Winnipeg Jets along with the NHL are celebrating Black History Month throughout the month of February. As part of the NHL’s larger Hockey is for Everyone initiative, Black History Month celebrates diversity in hockey, past and current players and helps to drive positive social change and foster more inclusive communities. This year’s campaign honours Winnipeg Jets alumnus Ray Neufeld, who will participate in a special ceremonial puck drop tonight, the game between the Jets and Los Angeles Kings recognized as Black History Night. Following his achievements with the Winnipeg Jets and in the NHL, Neufeld remained active in hockey, including as an MJHL coach, and as a current contributor to the NHL’s Diversity & Inclusion Committee. He remains an active member of the Winnipeg Jets Alumni & Friends, participating in many community and charitable events, as well as serving on the board.


The Manitoba Junior Hockey League's Portage Terriers and Steinbach Pistons continue their strong showing in the Canadian Junior Hockey League's Top 20 Rankings. The Terriers are number seven for the second week in a row and the Pistons moved four spots from 15 to 11. The Alberta Junior Hockey League's Brook Bandits are the number one ranked team in the CJHL. 


Winnipeg Ice forward Zach Benson has been named Western Hockey League's Player of the Week. The 2023 NHL Draft prospect, ranked seventh among North American Skaters by NHL Central Scouting, led all WHL skaters with 13 points (5G-8A) over the past week, helping Winnipeg collect four road victories in the process. The 17-year-old Chilliwack native began his week Monday, February 20 by scoring a short-handed goal and adding an assist as Winnipeg doubled up the Swift Current Broncos 4-2. Two days later, Benson scored the game’s opening goal and added three helpers as the Ice defeated the Calgary Hitmen 5-2. On Friday, February 24, Benson earned First Star honours in a 2-1 victory over the Red Deer Rebels, earning an assist on linemate Matthew Savoie’s game-winning goal. He capped off his impressive week by setting a career high with six points in an 8-1 win over the Edmonton Oil Kings Sunday, February 26, registering his third hat-trick of the 2022-23 regular season.


The Manitoba Moose traded forward Colin Bilek to the Rockford IceHogs in exchange for future considerations. The 25-year-old Brighton, Michigan native appeared in two games for the Moose this season and recorded seven penalty minutes. Bilek also suited up in 45 games for the Trois-Rivières Lions, tallying 23 points (14G, 9A) in the ECHL.