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WINNIPEG (CP) - It took a few attempts, but crews managed Sunday to demolish the remnants of the old Winnipeg Arena - home to the once-mighty Winnipeg Jets.
Thousands of people gathered in nearby parking lots to watch as 200 kilograms of dynamite exploded in the first attempt to level the building.
"It's part of Winnipeg, it's sad to see it go," said Ken Michasiw, who wore a Jets jersey for the event.
Martin Svenningsen, who worked security and other jobs at the arena for 20 years, said he has fond memories of many Jets legends.
"Teemu Selanne was one of my best friends. I had come from Denmark and he was from Finland, so we had a lot of things in common," Svenningsen said.
"And of course Bobby Hull, I got to know him well."
Many fans can vividly remember Hull leading the Jets to glory in the World Hockey Association in the 1970's and Selanne capturing NHL rookie of the year honours in 1993.
But the old arena, built in 1955, was already considered out of date when the Jets moved to Phoenix in 1996.
The arena's gently-sloped stands made for poor sightlines and its acoustics often presented a challenge for concert-goers.
Thousands of people gathered in nearby parking lots to watch as 200 kilograms of dynamite exploded in the first attempt to level the building.
"It's part of Winnipeg, it's sad to see it go," said Ken Michasiw, who wore a Jets jersey for the event.
Martin Svenningsen, who worked security and other jobs at the arena for 20 years, said he has fond memories of many Jets legends.
"Teemu Selanne was one of my best friends. I had come from Denmark and he was from Finland, so we had a lot of things in common," Svenningsen said.
"And of course Bobby Hull, I got to know him well."
Many fans can vividly remember Hull leading the Jets to glory in the World Hockey Association in the 1970's and Selanne capturing NHL rookie of the year honours in 1993.
But the old arena, built in 1955, was already considered out of date when the Jets moved to Phoenix in 1996.
The arena's gently-sloped stands made for poor sightlines and its acoustics often presented a challenge for concert-goers.
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