Pionk reflects on journey to finding success with the Jets
Pionk’s praises are being sung by his teammates as the Winnipeg Jets continue strong play after a historic start to the season.
Feature Photo: Getty Images
It is really no surprise to see Neal Pionk soaring to new heights with the Winnipeg Jets.
Currently on pace to eclipse the career-best 45 points he recorded in 2019-20, the 29-year-old defenceman has shown a propensity for making an impact at both ends of the rink.
“[Having a well-rounded game] is something I have always done. I think if you were to ask any of my coaches, from youth hockey up until now, it’s something I have always done, to bring a well-rounded game. That’s my kind of forte – do what I am asked and do it well.”
Just like he has done in 2024-25, helping the Jets to a record-setting fast 15 wins to start the season.
Skating in his sixth campaign with Winnipeg, Pionk, who was born in Nebraska but raised in Minnesota, has made sizable contributions offensively and defensively, ranking second the team in blocked shots (31) while averaging 21:07 of ice time over his first 19 games.
“It’s been an incredible start for our team, firing on all cylinders. We hit a bit of a road bump in Florida, but we are focused on getting back on the winning track.”
Pionk, who went undrafted, will play a big part in that goal.
Signed by the New York Rangers as a collegiate free agent in May 2017 after his sophomore season at the University of Minnesota Duluth, Pionk made his NHL debut on Feb. 9, 2018.
Pionk, who had 26 points in 73 games for the Rangers in 2018-19, was traded to the Jets in June 2019.
“I was welcomed here right away,” said Pionk, who was captain of the Sioux City Musketeers of the USHL in 2014-15 on the way to being named the league’s defenceman of the year.
“The guys have been great. From the forward group to the defencemen and our goalies – I give a lot of credit to my teammates. We have a great mix. We have an all-star in Josh Morrissey, some strong veteran players and younger guys, who are strong offensively and defensively.
Morrissey, who recently skated in his 600th NHL game (all with Winnipeg) praised Pionk’s contributions and unselfish nature.
“I think what makes Neal such a great teammate and player is his competitiveness and team-first mentality,” Morrissey told NHLPA.com.
“He brings it every game and does whatever he can to help the team every day.”
This offseason, like most others, Pionk took some time to recollect the path that brought him to Winnipeg.
“That comes in the summer when you are working out, where you take a breath and look back at the road that you took here. It’s hard to believe it’s been six years.
“Sometimes, you step back and realize just how long you have been doing it. It’s fun to look back on your journey, where you came from – whether that’s youth hockey days, junior days, high school days – and appreciate where you’ve come to in your life.”
Which is how he views first-time fatherhood.
Aug. 21, he and his wife, Kiera, welcomed their first child – a daughter named Stevie Mae.
“Until you experience the actual perspective change – people will tell you the way you look at life is different – and you are in that set of shoes, you discover how amazing it is.
“It’s a lot of hanging out together. We take turns holding her, changing her, feeding her, playing a few games – it’s a lot of time as a family.”
Although it got off to a shaky start, Pionk’s diaper-changing game is on the right track.
“It’s better – definitely getting better day by day.”
Stevie has had a few opportunities to watch her dad play live.
So far, so good.
“She’s been to a few Jets games, and she has done really well.
“For now, she will stay for a period or two – can’t mess up that night routine – and then my wife and her will head home.”
Helping hands have been in abundance for the couple since Stevie’s arrival.
Pionk is grateful for the peace of mind it brings.
“I could never have done anything in my career without family.
“For the most part, my wife is here with Stevie on her own, so that is a lot of work. Not only that, our extended family’s support, my family and her family, aunts and uncles – we have had a lot of people come up to see us and the baby.”
Pionk admittedly doesn’t have quite the same touch when it comes to home design.
“My wife decorated the house for Christmas when we were on the last road trip, and it looks great.
“I tried decorating one year and it didn’t go so well, so now I usually just put the Christmas tree up.”
Bringing his talents to hockey’s biggest stage, however, suits Pionk just fine.