Jonathan Toews Gets a Hero’s Welcome in His Return to Chicago
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By Milica Zivic
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Summary:
- Jonathan Toews received a long standing ovation in his first game back as a member of the Winnipeg Jets.
- Fans, former teammates, and the Blackhawks organization honored his 15 seasons and three Stanley Cup wins.
- Toews is now settling into a new role with Winnipeg while reflecting on what Chicago still means to him.
Jonathan Toews was seen taking a deep breath, laughing, and shaking his head as the applause just would not stop. More than four minutes later, the crowd was still on its feet. “All right, all right” he said, smiling, before circling the ice one more time to soak it in.
Monday night marked Toews’ return to Chicago, this time wearing a Winnipeg Jets jersey. Even so, it was obvious the city still sees him as one of its own. It was his first hockey game at the United Center since signing with Winnipeg on July 1, and the reaction left no doubt about how much he still means here.
“I Spent Some Special Years Here in Chicago ”
During a first-period timeout, Johnathan Toews, who spent 15 seasons with the Blackhawks, waved and tapped his chest as chants of “Jonny! Jonny!” filled the building. The 37-year-old has won three Stanley Cups and helped define one of the most successful eras in franchise history.
I tried to do my best to take it all in and really savor it. To really appreciate the love from the fans. Obviously, I spent some special years here in Chicago, and that’s what made playing for the Blackhawks so great. Winning championships and all of that stuff aside, just playing for a sports team in this city and calling this home for as long as I did was just incredible. I can’t thank them enough. It will always be home and has a special place in my heart.
Tribute Video
There was energy in the building well before puck drop. Fans roared when Toews stepped onto the ice for warmups, again when he was announced in the starting lineup, and once more when he appeared on the videoboard during Canada’s national anthem.
With 12:23 left in the first period, the Blackhawks rolled a tribute video. Nearly every section had No. 19 jerseys and homemade signs reading “WELCOME BACK 19” All 19,894 fans stood the entire time.
When the video ended, Toews returned to the ice to acknowledge the crowd. The ovation kept building.
Toews said after Winnipeg’s 2-0 loss,
It felt like forever. I’m not sure what to do after a while in that situation. The boys kept telling me to do another lap. Pretty special.
Drafted third overall by Chicago in 2006, Toews became captain at just 20 years old and helped lead Stanley Cup wins in 2010, 2013, and 2015. However, a series of health issues forced him to miss significant time in recent years, with the Blackhawks confirming in 2023 that it was time for his final game with the team.
Defenseman Connor Murphy commented
He’s the one teammate I’ve ever had where you go out with him in public and people won’t just say they’re a ‘big fan,. They’ll almost give an emotional thank you to him. They’ll literally say, ‘Thank you for making my life better.’ That’s what people will say to him.
Now back in the league with Winnipeg, Toews is still finding his rhythm.
I think as time went along I’ve been able to feel more comfortable and just find my game and settle in and find a role on this team
