10 fun facts about Blake Wheeler ahead of Game 1000!

1. Wheeler's first jersey number in the NHL was 42.
Before becoming renowned in the #26 jersey with Boston, Atlanta, and Winnipeg - Wheeler suited up in #42 for his NHL debut on October 9, 2008.
Wheeler swapped to #26 before playing against the Toronto Maple Leafs on November 6. In game 13 of his young career, Wheeler debuted in the new number with his first career hat trick.

2. Wheeler chose #26 as a tribute to two University of Minnesota alumni
His NHL debut was preceded by three seasons at the University of Minnesota. In his rookie season, #17 Wheeler skated alongside a close friend in #26, Phil Kessel. Before Kessel wore the #26 in Minnesota, it belonged to another future NHLer in Thomas Vanek.
"I always kind of knew I'd want to change, if they'd let me," Wheeler told the Boston Herald after the hat trick performance in 2008. "No. 26 was always a number a lot of good guys at Minnesota wore. Thomas Vanek wore it, and Kess (Phil Kessel).
"It was just always a cool number. Numbers don't really mean that much to me, but I thought it would be a good one. So far, No. 26 has worked pretty well."

3. The Wheeler family welcomed their first child right before the 2012-13 season began.
To stay fresh during the 2013 lockout, Wheeler traveled overseas to play for EHC Red Bull München in Germany. The decision came with personal sacrifice, as his first son Louie was born just 10 days before he had to leave for the season.
The family was able to reunite later in the year, plus future Jets teammate Paul Stastny joined the line-up in Munich as well.

4. The Wheeler family has a dog named after Blake's favourite show.
The first pup to join the Wheeler family was a bulldog mix they named Tobias "Tobi" Funke, a character from one of Blake's favourite shows - Arrested Development.
The family also has Row, a 2-year-old German Shepherd they welcomed during the past hockey season.

5. What if Blake Wheeler wasn't a hockey player?
If a professional hockey career wasn't in the cards for Wheeler, he says he would have wanted to become a golfer.
Wheeler's played in a number of golf events around Winnipeg, including as the sponsor's exemption to participate in the Players Cup golf tournament 2018.

6. Bucket list trip?
His love of golf combines with his dream travel plans, as Wheeler would plan a golf trip around Ireland and Scotland for a bucket list trip. Could a hole in one at St. Andrews be in the cards?
7. Favourite sports teams?
Beyond the Jets, of course, Wheeler's allegiances for sports teams stay in his home state. The Plymouth, MN, native cheers on the Minnesota Vikings and the Minnesota Twins.
8. Favourite athlete?
Wheeler's favourite athlete beyond hockey was a star with his Minnesota Vikings - Hall of Fame wide receiver Randy Moss.
9. Favourite holiday?
With family being an important element of his life, it's no surprise Wheeler's favourite holiday is American Thanksgiving. The Captain was able to celebrate his favourite holiday in his home state this season.
10. Favourite music?
Wheeler curated a playlist featuring some of his favourite songs and artists, which will be played during warm-ups tonight in honour of his 1000th game. You can stream it online at
http://wpgjets.co/JetStream

One song that didn't make the final cut? His go-to tune at karaoke, Let Me Love You by Mario.