It was an exciting night for a Steinbach resident and local hockey player attending a Winnipeg Jets game Wednesday night. Jamie Penner, not only received free tickets to watch the shut-out match against the Philadelphia Flyers, but he also raced against ‘Jet’ in the 2nd intermission contest - "The Speed of Light".

Penner says, “It was kind of a funny deal. I know a couple of people who work for True North, the company that owns the team, and I guess they had somebody drop out (of the racing game) and they needed somebody to fill in and for some reason, they thought of me. This is not something I ever thought would happen. I don't normally enjoy being in the limelight, but I figured I’d give it a shot.”

The 2nd intermission game involves a mystery speedskater called “Jet” who races against a Jet fan in individual heats. Each trying to get the best time skating two laps around the rink.

When Penner stepped out on the ice to start the race, he kept thinking to himself 'don't fall'. "I stumbled a few times but I didn't fall, so that was good.” In the end, Penner came in at 31 seconds and says, “I didn't feel fast out there. I'll tell you that much.” ‘Jet’ came in at 28 seconds. “It's quite interesting for sure, whoever he is, he's quite fast. It's quite impressive actually.”

Jamie Penner and his family (photo supplied) Still feeling like he did his best, Penner says, “one thing about the experience is that you realize how bad that ice can get after those guys chew it up for 20 minutes.”

Taking part in the speed skating game was just part of Penner’s experience. “It's pretty cool. I got to the rink early, and put my stuff downstairs. I got to watch most of the game, but just kind of getting to be part of the whole game-day experience and finding out how many people are involved in putting on that show, it was pretty cool. “

Penner had an opportunity to see the behind-the-scenes areas, like the Jets dressing room and referee's room. He says, “it was a cool experience. Me being on the ice and just seeing what that game-day experience looks like for all the volunteers and workers that are there. There’s a lot of people behind the scene.”

He says of his time on the ice, “I really had no idea, not even thinking that I would beat that guy.” For Penner, it was more about the experience, getting to enjoy a free NHL hockey game and taking home Jets jersey.