If you closed your eyes and listened to the sounds that echoed through Oakville's community Arena on Tuesday, you may have thought you were at the Canada Life Centre for a Winnipeg Jets game.

After months of anticipation, the Jets Town Takeover arrived in Oakville, just in time for the fans in the arena to watch the province's NHL team clinch a berth into the 2023 postseason with a heated 3-1 victory over the Minnesota Wild.

15-year-old Ethan from Newton was one of the many in attendance who had a blast.

"It's interesting that this little town is able to get this kind of attention, especially from the Jets." 

File Photo.Ethan and his brother taking in the 2023 Jets Town Takeover

Kory Harnum, Manager of Community Relations for True North Sports and Entertainment, tells PortageOnline that he loved the atmosphere everyone brought to the takeover.

'"It's nice that we were able to bring some of our in-game experiences, foundation experiences, hockey experiences that take place every day in the city, outside the city, and give that experience to communities where it might be a little tougher to drive in and watch a game."

File Photo.Kory Harnum Manager of Community Relations for True North Sports and Entertainment

Reeve of the RM of Portage, Kam Blight, who is from Oakville says his council was very impressed with everyone who made the night possible, something he feels speaks to what that community is all about.

"Having that sense of pride in their community is what makes living in small communities so special. That's what separates us from some of the large centres in my mind."