Michael Hutchinson Retires: A Beloved Figure in Winnipeg Hockey History

For many NHL players, Winnipeg is merely a stop along their professional hockey journey. For Michael Hutchinson, however, it became a cherished home. This week, the former Winnipeg Jets goaltender announced his retirement, concluding an 11-season NHL career that saw him don the jerseys of six different franchises while keeping his roots firmly planted in Manitoba.

Hutchinson’s journey with the Jets began in 2013, and he quickly endeared himself to fans by excelling with the St. John’s IceCaps before earning a full-time opportunity in the NHL. His breakout season came in 2014-15 when he posted a 21-10-5 record, a 2.38 goals-against average, and a .914 save percentage, all while stepping in for Ondrej Pavelec. His stellar performance played a pivotal role in helping Winnipeg return to the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time since the franchise’s relocation from Atlanta.

Over parts of five seasons, the Barrie, Ontario product appeared in 102 games for the Jets, later taking his talents to the Florida Panthers, Toronto Maple Leafs, Colorado Avalanche, Columbus Blue Jackets, and Detroit Red Wings. In total, he played 154 NHL games before concluding his professional career with SaiPa in Finland’s Liiga.

Yet, for many Manitobans, Hutchinson represents more than just a former Jets goaltender. His wife, Jenna Hutchinson, is the co-founder of Jenna Rae Cakes, a wildly popular Winnipeg bakery she started with her twin sister, Ashley Kosowan. What began as a single bakery has blossomed into one of Manitoba’s most recognized local businesses, boasting multiple locations and a devoted national following.

The couple opted to make Winnipeg their permanent home base, despite Hutchinson’s career taking them across various NHL cities. In a feature for House & Home, Jenna described Winnipeg as the place they would always return to, while Michael expressed his relief at finally having a place to call his own after years of moving between teams.

Hutchinson’s connection to Manitoba has only deepened since his playing days, as he frequently returns to Winnipeg during the offseason, remaining a familiar face in the community. He and Jenna were recently spotted at Adam Lowry’s wedding this past July, further solidifying their ties to the city.

The Jets honored Hutchinson’s retirement with a heartfelt message online, expressing their excitement to see him at the forthcoming Alumni Game—an appropriate next chapter for a player whose impact in Winnipeg transcended the ice. Additionally, Hutchinson has taken on a new role as the lead instructor at a local goaltending school, @HutchinsonGoaltending, contributing to the next generation of hockey talent.

As he embarks on this new journey, the now 36-year-old family man has chosen to remain in the place where he spent the longest stretch and found the most success in his career: Winnipeg.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.