Game On Magazine 2017 December 2017 | Page 56

1 2 JONATHAN KOZUB + HOCKEY: A PICTURE PERFECT MATCH FOR TRUE NORTH On the ice at Winnipeg Jets home games, there’s one person who has taken more shots than veterans Blake Wheeler, Dustin Byfuglien, and Bryan Little combined, and he doesn’t even shoot with a stick. Jonathan Kozub is the of�icial photographer of the Winnipeg Jets and the Manitoba Moose. He received his �irst shot at the job with the Moose in the 2002. “He was a supporter of the Moose early when I started,” remembers Jeff Mager, senior director of ticket sales (Manitoba Moose). “He asked if it would be okay if he took a few pictures, and it just took off from there. His work speaks for itself. He represents the True North brand well.” Today, Kozub is a full-time photographer. He owns his own private studio with the Jets and Moose taking up most of his time. “It’s addicting,” says Kozub. “The best part of what I do is making something out of nothing.” His photography can go from a split second on the ice to eternal status with iconic-like images that end up on banners outside Bell MTS Place. Despite the obvious evidence of his near picture perfect work, Kozub remains remarkably humble and well, focused. “While it is rewarding and a lot fun, it’s also an enormous responsibility,” explains Kozub. “I’m documenting the history of True Written by: ROB WOZNY North and its hockey teams. The company, from day one, has committed to ‘big league’ excellence, and that’s what I strive for with every image.” When asked to elaborate, Kozub says, “If it could not appear in a magazine, it’s not a good shot.” Yet, many of Kozub’s shots do end up in national magazines and publications around the world, shooting not only for the Winnipeg Jets, but the NHL. “On game days, I also get requests to shoot players on the visiting teams, too.” Regardless of whose image he’s capturing, Kozub says one element of a great player image is consistent – the emotion. “You get to share some big moments with a player.