4 Fun Facts About Winnipeg Jets’ Josh Morrissey

There have been many changes leading up to the start of the Winnipeg Jets‘ season, but one thing that remains the same is Josh Morrissey in a Jets jersey. After being drafted 13th overall in 2013 to the Jets, he’s become a household name for the franchise. Maybe the number 13 isn’t so unlucky after all. 

While you are likely familiar with the defenseman’s on-ice success, there are some interesting facts you might not know about No. 44. Let’s get into it.

Morrissey Founded the Glass Half-Full Foundation

The 27-year-old has dealt with anxiety throughout his life and decided he wanted to use his platform to help others who suffer with maintaining their mental wellness. Morrissey and his fiancée started the Glass Half Full Foundation with the goal of promoting positivity and raising awareness surrounding mental health and wellness. They also aim to support organizations that are involved in working to positively impact the mental health and wellness of others. 

The name of the foundation was inspired by Morrissey’s father, who recently passed away due to brain cancer. His father’s favourite phrase was, “is the glass half full or half empty — it’s half full!” This is a reminder to the Calgary native to look on the positive side, regardless of the situation. 

The Glass Half Full Foundation works with various groups and charities that contribute to impactful mental health initiatives, allowing for flexibility when it comes to selecting the organization’s partners. 

When discussing his inspiration for the foundation, Morrissey said, “Being a professional athlete, I think I put an unrealistic expectation on myself to uphold a certain level of masculinity and toughness when it comes to my own mental health. What I finally realized was that maybe the biggest display of toughness out there is having the courage to open up or seek help for whatever you’re dealing with.”

If you are interested in learning more information about the Glass Half Full Foundation, visit glasshalffullfoundation.com.

Two Morrisseys Are Better Than One

For a moment in his hockey career, the Jets player was not the only Morrissey on the roster. He actually played on the same team as his brother, Jake Morrissey, during his short stint with the Kelowna Rockets of the Western Hockey League (WHL). During the 2014-15 season, the current Jets player was called up from the Prince Albert Raiders to play for the Rockets with his brother in goal. 

Jake played 11 games with the team, while Josh played 20 and recorded six goals and 11 assists. Check out the video below, which details Josh’s road to the NHL: 

CHL Scholastic Player of the Year Recipient

While Morrissey’s eight-year, $50 million contract that he signed in 2019 may be a result of his hockey abilities, there’s no question that his intelligence extends beyond his playmaking abilities.

In 2013 while playing defence for the Prince Albert Raiders, the left-shooter was recognized for his outstanding academic performance at the Canadian Hockey League Subway Awards. He received the CHL Scholastic Player of the Year award after earning a 92.4 percent average at Carlton Comprehensive High School in his senior year.