Heritage Classic blog: Mario Ferraro

Winnipeg Jets defenseman Mario Ferraro is keeping his own blog through the 2026 Tim Hortons NHL Heritage Classic at Princess Auto Stadium in Winnipeg on Sunday (7 p.m. ET; TVAS, SN, TNT, truTV, HBO MAX).

In his second entry, Ferraro discusses the Jets' practice ahead of the Heritage Classic, meeting new teammates Dawson Mercer and Nico Daws, who were acquired in the blockbuster trade for Connor Hellebuyck on Friday, and the special surprise he witnessed during the family skate that involved his sister, Celina.

Today was great. We talked about it in my previous blog that this was a new experience for me, something I haven't done before. It was beautiful, really. You couldn't ask for a better day.

I know they got some rain last night so they're having difficulties with the ice a little bit overnight, but it was pretty good. I didn't really notice much of a difference. The biggest thing to get used to is how bright it is. Our white jerseys were kind of reflecting off the natural light.

They did a great job with the decor and the stands and the setup, the layout. It's all really good. This is a perfect stadium for this game. If the weather is like it was when we were out there, it’s going to be great.

We got to meet Dawson and Nico. They got in last night, and it was nice to have them on the ice with us today. I think that helps.

I think the longer you play in this League, the more you know the other guys in the League. You play against them, you’ve played maybe with them at different levels. I haven’t played with either of these guys, but, you know, it felt like they've been a part of this group from the beginning. We're going to need that because they're going to dive right into a game tomorrow with us, so it's an interesting first game for them, coming into a Heritage Classic, but it's a pretty good first memory to have as a Winnipeg Jet.

I haven’t thought about what tomorrow will be like yet. When I play, even in a regular game in a regular stadium, I’m not focused on what's on the outside. This is a regular game, and it's just as important as any other game. There are two points on the line. Big points.

Coach Scott Arniel kind of touched on that in his speech at the team gala last night, so I haven't really thought about that yet, but I think there will be a moment to soak it all in. Hopefully we get the win and we'll look out in the crowd and soak it all in.

The family skate after practice was awesome. My sister was here and her daughter, and I brought my daughter out there, too. Solenne, who just turned one, didn't love it too much, she's still getting used to being out on the rink. She's still a little scared of it, but she had fun.

Seeing the smiles on their faces and the excitement, like it's cool them taking photos and doing all that stuff. That's what it's all about.

Plus, my sister got engaged at the end of the family skate. My brother-in-law, Mitchell Scott, proposed out there, which I knew about coming in. He did it right when they got everybody got off the ice.

It's crazy. That was a wild thing. It was a little added experience to my Heritage Classic.

When Mitch first came to me with the idea, I was shocked. It was actually exciting being out there when it happened. I was like a little nervous for him, but he seemed pretty relaxed. Mitch got it done.

Celina had no idea it was coming. She was trying to get off the ice because the horn went to get us off the ice, and she was trying to get off and he was like pulling her back in. It was so funny.

I also got to meet a family that is fighting the battle against cancer. It was nice to do that. I am a Hockey Fights Cancer ambassador and have been for a long time. It's such a small thing, but it's such a big thing at the same time and I love doing it. It's one of the best parts of hockey for me.

I obviously have been affected by cancer. It's very likely that everybody in this room has someone who has been affected by cancer, whether it's a relative of theirs, a friend, or a friend of a friend.

My billet mom passed away from cancer when I was with Des Moines (in the USHL). It was in 2017, the year I got drafted by the San Jose Sharks. That had a huge impact on me. Erin was her name and she had a big impact on where I am today.

I keep in touch with that family a lot, and over the years I've done more for Hockey Fights Cancer with the NHL and supporting that, and it's just nice.

It was nice to be able to see a family here that's dealing with the fight as well, and two tough kids that they have that are dealing with it. I just got to know them a little bit. They live up north but are here for treatment and haven't been home in some time.

What better thing than to come to a game like a Heritage Classic.

They love hockey, and it’s exciting for them during the tough times that they're dealing with while they are in Winnipeg.

It’s nice to go and put a smile on the kids' faces. I'm very grateful to have met them, and I hope we continue to build a relationship with them, maybe get them to a game at Canada Life Centre. It’s something that doesn't take much from me and has a huge impact on them.