Winnipeg Jets license plates went on sale Monday and were being snapped up at a slapshot pace at Autopac agencies around the province.

The $70 specialty plates, in Jets colours and featuring the team logo and slogan — Fuelled by Passion — sold out at several agencies in no time.

Pete Tessier, president of the Insurance Brokers of Manitoba, sold out of his allotment of 50 plates within an hour.

"It was hectic. There was a lot of people lined up before we were open… anxiously waiting a chance to get something that they want to be a part of," he said.

Steve Benevides managed to get the last plate at an insurance broker in Polo Park Shopping Centre. (CBC)

At the Ryan Gateway insurance broker location in Polo Park, the 50 plates were gone in 90 minutes. Another 100 have been ordered but staff are not sure when those will arrive.

Steven Benevides managed to get the last one at that location.

"I lucked out. I tried to get one for my brother for Christmas but … obviously this one's for me, not my brother," he said.

I'll have to go and see if I can find one for him at another place, you know, Christmas spirit and all."

Of the $70 cost, $30 will go to the Winnipeg Jets True North Foundation, which funds various charities. The rest will be shared between Manitoba Public Insurance and the province.

A total of 20,000 plates will be available but another run is possible, depending on demand, said True North spokesman Scott Brown.

The Jets plate follows six months after the Winnipeg Blue Bombers specialty plate was issued, prior to the start of the 2011 Canadian Football League season.

Brian Smiley, spokesman for Manitoba Public Insurance, said sports fans can switch the plates from Bombers to Jets during the sports seasons at no charge, but they will have to go to their broker and let them know.

The Jets plate is the third specialty plate available in the province. In 2004, Manitoba also approved the issuing of a specialty licence plate to honour veterans.