Winnipeg Jets fans greeted goaltender Connor Hellebuyck with chants of "coward" during his return to the lineup, according to a report by USA TODAY Sports on November 11, 2026. The hostile reception underscores ongoing tension between the fanbase and the star netminder.
The incident occurred as Hellebuyck made his first appearance after a period of absence, though the specific reason for the fans' anger was not detailed in the initial report. Jace Evans of USA TODAY noted the chants rang out prominently during the game.
Hellebuyck, a Vezina Trophy winner and cornerstone of the Jets franchise, has faced criticism from segments of the fanbase in recent seasons. The "coward" chants represent an escalation in the strained relationship.
