The return of the NHL star enraged the audience – harsh treatment for Connor Hellebuyck

NHL star goalie Connor Hellebuyck, 33, felt the wrath of Winnipeg Jets fans upon returning to his former home arena for the first time since his team change.

Hellebuyck, who moved to the New Jersey Devils in October, became the target of a fierce booing concert late Wednesday night Finnish time when the Devils visited Winnipeg.

Hellebuyck skated onto the ice last as the New Jersey player during warm-ups. A strong chorus of boos immediately erupted from the stands of Canada Life Centre.

The audience also reacted eagerly to Hellebuyck’s failures. When the puck slipped behind the goalie during warm-ups, loud cheers erupted from the crowd. After this, Devils players began to take easier shots at Hellebuyck.

Fans were not satisfied with just booing. Hellebuyck also heard taunts calling him a coward, and signs mocking him were visible in the stands.

Ultimately, Hellebuyck did not appear in the game, as Jake Allen was in goal for New Jersey. The former Jets goalie remained as a backup but did not watch the game from the bench.

However, Hellebuyck’s absence from the rink did not silence the home crowd. Fans continued their taunts during the game and shouted questions from the stands about where Connor was.

Hellebuyck’s departure from Winnipeg came after a series of colorful events. The goalie had requested a trade elsewhere and skipped the Jets’ training camp. Ultimately, he was traded to New Jersey on October 23.

Hellebuyck opened up about the reasons for his departure on Tuesday before his return game. According to him, serious events concerning his family had significantly influenced his decision to leave Winnipeg. The goalie stated that the events were more serious than the death threats presented online.

Having played 11 seasons in Winnipeg, Hellebuyck would have liked to play against his former team. However, the Devils’ management decided to leave him as a backup goalie.

New Jersey GM Sunny Mehta justified the decision by stating that Hellebuyck playing might have weakened the team’s chances of winning.

Winnipeg ultimately secured a 4–2 victory in the game. Dawson Mercer, acquired from New Jersey in the Hellebuyck trade, scored two goals, while Nico Daws, who moved to the Jets in the same trade, secured the win.

For the Jets, this victory marked their fourth consecutive win. Meanwhile, the Devils’ five-game winning streak came to an end.