Winnipeg Jets superstar Connor Hellebuyck walks away from the NHL for an indefinite period of time
Winnipeg Jets fans won't like hearing this, but the goaltender of their team, Connor Helllebuyck, is stepping away from hockey to deal with some personal issues.
With just a few days remaining before the regular season opener, the Winnipeg Jets held their final practice and everyone was there. Well, almost everyone did, as goaltender Connor Hellebuyck was noticeably absent from the ice. That didn't take very long to become the lead story for the fans and media in attendance.
It got people speculating a thousand and one things, with many curious to know if perhaps he was injured or unwell. It wasn't long before Ken Wiebe from the 'Winnipeg Free Press' washed those speculations clean, reaffirming that the Jets' star goalie was not injured. The only thing left thereafter was to wait for an update from the team.
Following the on-ice session, Jets head coach Scott Arniel chimed in on the topic by saying that Connor's got a personal family matter that he's attended to. A quick leave, but all signs point to him being back and traveling with the team to Edmonton for the opener.
While the personal details remain private, the Jets franchise and their fans have made sure to make Hellebuyck and his family aware they have support during this time. The presence of the goalie will be missed on the ice, but supporters and the team want him to take care of himself for the time being.
Connor Hellebuyck's brief absence could have been cause for alarm; however, it would appear the team seems pretty confident in his return to form. Thoughts and best wishes to him and his family in this most difficult period as he attends to this personal issue.
