Neal Pionk Becomes Latest Jet to Celebrate Offseason Milestone

Winnipeg Jets defenceman Neal Pionk has become the latest member of the club to celebrate a significant offseason milestone.

Pionk and his wife, Kiera, welcomed their second child, Briggs Nelson Pionk, on Aug. 18. The newest member of the Pionk family weighed in at nine pounds, 7.5 ounces.

The Jets shared the news Tuesday, referring to Briggs as the team's "newest Jets fan."

Briggs joins older sister Stevie Mae, who was born on Aug. 21, 2024. The two Pionk children will now celebrate birthdays just days apart on the calendar.

The latest arrival continues what has become something of a baby boom within the Jets' dressing room over the past couple of years. Last season, Jets captain Adam Lowry spoke about the number of players simultaneously entering fatherhood and the unique support system that had developed within the team.

"I think it's great that not only can the mothers, the wives support each other as they go through it together - we're gone a lot - but a lot of the guys are going through that experience together," Lowry said at the time.

Kyle Connor was preparing to become a first-time father when Lowry made those comments in January 2025. Connor and wife Ally welcomed their first daughter shortly thereafter.

Now, the Connors are preparing to do it all over again. Ally recently shared photos of the family while visibly pregnant, writing that there were "a few more weeks" until the arrival of their second child.

Josh Morrissey has also joined the growing group of fathers in Winnipeg's dressing room, with he and wife Margot having welcomed their first child in recent months. The veteran defenceman discussed becoming a dad during a July appearance on Barn Burner, reflecting on another major change in a life that has largely revolved around hockey since childhood.

And babies haven't been the only reason for celebration among the Jets this summer.

Lowry married longtime partner Laura Quinton in Winnipeg on July 18, bringing a large collection of current and former Jets back together for the occasion. The couple held their ceremony at 529 Wellington following welcome cocktails at Good Neighbour Brewing Company.

The celebrations have provided a decidedly different backdrop to an offseason that will soon give way to the usual business of training camp.

For Pionk, though, there will be one more member of the family watching along when the Jets return to the ice this fall. And with another Connor baby due in the coming weeks, Winnipeg's offseason baby boom might not be finished just yet.