'In my heart I never left': Bryan Little gets the spotlight to mark end of hockey career

Longtime Winnipeg Jets forward Bryan Little was back in town Sunday as the only franchise he ever suited up for honoured him to mark the end of his hockey career.

Little played 843 games with the Thrashers/Jets franchise, which is the second-most in club history. In September, the Jets announced the 36-year-old would sign a one-day contract with the team, allowing him to retire as a member of the team.

"In my heart I never left, I was always a Jet," Little said during a news conference before puck-drop in Sunday's Jets game against the Pittsburgh Penguins. "This kind of made it official."

Little ranks fifth in franchise history with 217 goals, third with304 assists and fourth with 521 points.

In 2014 he recorded the franchise's first hat trick since its move to Winnipeg, and in 2019 he scored the game-winning goal in overtime at the Heritage Classic in Regina.

"That one was really special," said Little. "I didn't get to play in the outdoor game here in Winnipeg and I was pretty disappointed in that, so to be a part of that and score the OT winner and have my family there to see it, that was really special."

WATCH | Jets down Avalanche with Bryan Little hat trick:

Jets down Avalanche with Bryan Little hat trick

10 years ago

Duration 0:24

Winnipeg beats Colorado 6-2.

But on Nov. 5, 2019, Little sustained a perforated eardrum after being hit by a slapshot from Jets teammate Nikolaj Ehlers in a game against New Jersey. It ended up being the last NHL game he ever played in.

Little's contract was traded to the Arizona Coyotes, which is now the Utah Hockey Club.

Speaking Saturday, Little said someone had asked him about the idea of signing a one-day contract and retiring with the Jets.

"It always felt weird to be part of the Coyotes," he said. "I talked to the trainer there once a year for a physical or something on the phone."

But he also said stepping away from the game wasn't easy, but said he doesn't have any regrets.

"At the end of the day I think I had to think more about my future and my health when I'm older and my family as well," he said.

"It wasn't [an] easy decision. At the end of the day I was seeing so many people, I think I was just searching for someone to say it's OK and it's safe, and I could never really find that."

Outside the rink, Jets fans applauded Little's time with the team.

"He was an unsung hero who did a lot in the community behind the scenes without a lot of fanfare," said Patricia Chaychuk. "And I'm glad he came back to get the recognition he deserves to get."

Andrew Ritchot agreed.

"I know his career ended in such a weird way, so it's really nice to have him have a moment with the fans," he said. "Because he was a fan favourite."

Meanwhile, Little said getting to retirewith the Jets was special.

"This isn't just where I worked," said Little.

"The people around here were my family and my friends and a lot of the best memories I have playing hockey were with this team, in this city and in front of these fans."

Bryan Little honoured by Winnipeg Jets as veteran centre marks end of career

19 days ago

Duration 1:51

The Winnipeg Jets celebrated the career of Bryan Little during their game Sunday. Little played all 843 of his NHL games as part of the Thrashers/Jets franchise, but his playing days were cut short by a career-ending injury in 2019.