Stapleton thrilled to return for Filipino Heritage Night

Tim Stapleton was the first Filipino-American to play in the National Hockey League, and he didn't even realize it until about a year ago.
"It's an ongoing joke," he laughed while making his way to Winnipeg for Filipino Heritage Night.
He says it's all because of Jason Robertson, the 23-year-old forward for the Dallas Stars, who the Winnipeg Jets will face on Tuesday at Canada Life Centre.
"For a while, they were naming him or (Minnesota Wild defenceman) Matt Dumba as first," explained Stapleton. "Someone corrected them. To this day, the joke is my friends think I called in and corrected them myself. The truth is it means way more today than it ever did. I think it's kind of cool."
Stapleton, now 40, played his lone season in Winnipeg in 2011-12, scoring 11 goals and racking up 27 points in 63 games - all career-highs at the NHL level. That lone season with the Jets was also the first year the team was back in the Manitoba capital, and now he's ecstatic to be returning for such a special event.

"To be invited back 10 years later, it's a special thing," he said. "I'm honoured to not only represent myself, but my mom, brother, and sister. It means a lot to them. All in all, it's an honour to be part of it."
The three people Stapleton speaks of - his mom, brother, and sister - were all born in the Philippines. Stapleton went there when he was younger, but would like to go back to sometime soon. Since his career ended at the conclusion of the 2017-18 season - following six seasons split between professional leagues in Russia, Switzerland, Sweden, and Germany - Stapleton has worked to connect more with his mom's side of the family, who he didn't see much of during his playing days.
"It wasn't anything personal, it's just the way it was," Stapleton said. "The older I got, like anybody, you appreciate more and you learn more. I'm proud to be Filipino."
The product of La Grange, Illinois made use of his time in Winnipeg to connect with the Filipino community in the city, and still keeps in touch to this day.
He's excited to be part of that community again.
"It's special not only because of my background, but to experience it with the Jets fans," he said. "That was the best part. Playing hockey and being in the home arena with - I think, personally - the best fans in the game."
These days, Stapleton is still in touch with the game. He's a co-host on the Raw Knuckles podcast with Chris Nilan, which featured a training camp episode with Jets forward Blake Wheeler in the fall.
Wheeler is just one of many former teammates Stapleton stays in touch with. That list includes Dustin Byfuglien, Jim Slater, Chris Thorburn, and many more.
He also talks frequently with Stars forward Joe Pavelski, a former teammate of Stapleton's with Dynamo Minsk of the KHL from 2012-13, and Robertson's current linemate.
"I always tell him, 'Remember, I was the best Filipino line mate you ever had.' We always joke about it," Stapleton laughed. "It's always awesome to see someone that is proud to be of the same heritage. I know he's proud to represent the Philippines. You don't see many of them. Hockey is for everyone. It's cool to see all walks of life and all different cultures playing the game today."