NEED TO KNOW

Since the return of the NHL to Winnipeg, the fans in the Manitoba capital have been proving they are among the best in the league. Now though, following a few years of finding their legs, the Jets faithful are ready to see their club make a post-season run. The playoffs are a real possibility in Winnipeg this season and over the course of the year they have been getting exceptional performances from players across their lineup, helping them maintain a position in the tough Western Conference. This past week, the man carrying the playoff torch for the Jets and putting in some incredible performances was Ondrej Pavelec. The Czech-born netminder went 3-0-0 with a 0.97 goals-against average, .970 save percentage and one shutout to help the Jets (37-23-12, 86 points) pick up three consecutive victories and hold onto the final Wild Card spot in the Western Conference. Pavelec has a 17-14-7 record this season, which includes a 2.40 goals-against average and .916 save percentage in 42 appearances and wins in his last four consecutive starts.

Ondrej’s strong play and leadership of the Jets in their quest for a playoff berth make him the NHLPA Player of the Week!

BIOGRAPHY

• Born in Kladno, Czech Republic on August 31, 1987
• Dafted by the Atlanta Thrashers (now Winnipeg Jets) in the second round, 41st overall, in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft
• Signed his first NHL contract as a free-agent with the Atlanta Thrashers in 2007
• Led the Chicago Wolves to the 2007-08 Calder Cup championship (AHL)
• Has represented the Czech Republic in several international tournaments; he was a member of his country’s entry in the 2006 World Junior Ice Hockey Championships; the 2010 & 2014 Olympics, and the 2010 & 2011 World Championships