Winnipeg Jets' Dale Hawerchuk statue outside Canada Life Centre damaged by enraged fan
Photo credit: @CBrooksie84/x
The iconic statue of Winnipeg Jets legend Dale Hawerchuk outside Canada Life Centre was recently vandalized, reflecting a disturbing trend of rising crime in the city.
A renowned statue of Winnipeg Jets legend
Dale Hawerchuk, a revered symbol for both the city of Winnipeg and the team, was defaced by an enraged individual. The statue, a tribute to the Jets' first overall draft pick in 1981, stands as a lasting testament to Hawerchuk's profound influence on the franchise and its fans.
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According to the Winnipeg Free Press, this act of vandalism is part of a worrying trend of increased crime and property damage in Winnipeg. The defacement of such a significant monument, honoring the legendary player, underscores a broader issue of disrespect for historical and sentimental values. The statue, located outside Canada Life Centre, is more than just a physical structure; it symbolizes the rich legacy of Dale Hawerchuk and his impact on the Winnipeg Jets.
True North Sports and Entertainment (TN) reported that the statue of the Winnipeg Jets star, located in True North Square, was tagged with graffiti both over the weekend and on Monday.
«TN has a company under contract to remove this type of vandalism,» a spokesperson told CTV News. «They were contacted and the statue was cleaned up shortly after that notice.»
«Unfortunately, when they start graffitiing on murals or statues, this is where it's really wrong," Ethans said, executive director of Take Pride Winnipeg
«It's certainly gotten worse over the last few years,» Ethans said. «It's amazing how quickly it adds up to thousands and thousands of tags every year.»
Dale Hawerchuk, who wore the Jets uniform until 1990 before moving on to play for the Buffalo Sabres and the St. Louis Blues, left a legacy that extends beyond his playing days.
After his diagnosis with cancer in 2019, Hawerchuk passed away in August 2020 following a courageous fight.
His contribution to hockey is widely recognized, with many considering him the second-best player of the 1980s, just behind Wayne Gretzky.
His influence as a player, coach, and mentor is remembered fondly by many within the hockey community.
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27 AOUT | 65 ANSWERS Winnipeg Jets' Dale Hawerchuk statue outside Canada Life Centre damaged by enraged fan Would you like to see increased security around notable monuments to prevent vandalism? |
Yes | 61 | 93.8 % |
No | 4 | 6.2 % |
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