tougher for fans to see us. This was a great idea by Cabbie to set this up." "The fans are missing hockey just as much as we are," said Richards. "We're not only players in the game, but fans of the game. We miss being around the guys and around competitive hockey. Not being around that for a long period of time, you start missing it." Playing in the great outdoors makes Jets defenceman Mark Stuart think of growing up in Minnesota and engaging in some memorable battles with his brothers and sisters in the backyard. "There were some pretty good ones. Not too much fighting, it was pretty friendly," said Stuart. "My dad built a rink in the yard when we were growing up and we would get out there. "As far as ball hockey (goes), I haven't played in a while. This brings me back. We'd like to be at the MTS (Centre) playing games. But this is a unique experience for everybody." Stuart was among the NHL leaders in blocked shots last season, but made a minor adjustment to his game on this chilly afternoon. "The (ball) was frozen already, I didn't really come prepared," said Stuart. "I should have taped my shin pads on or something." Jets centre Jim Slater revealed that he liked to play goal during street hockey games as a youngster, imagining he was Bill Ranford making big glove saves. "This is awesome," said Slater. "I used to love playing goalie. It's always