schedule
staff directory
200 W. Nationwide Blvd., Columbus OH 43215 Phone: (614) 246-4625 • BlueJackets.com
ownership
JOHN P. McCONNELL
Majority Owner, Governor
John P. McConnell is chairman and chief executive officer of Worthington Industries. He is majority owner of the Columbus Blue Jackets National Hockey League franchise and chairman emeritus of the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation. The foundation uses the unique resources of its professional athletes, coaches and staff to improve the quality of life throughout central Ohio. McConnell currently serves as chairman of the board of directors for OhioHealth and has previously served on the boards of the Greater Columbus Chamber of Commerce, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, the YMCA and the Columbus Zoological Association. Worthington Industries is a leading global diversified metals manufacturing company with 2019 fiscal year sales of $3.8 billion. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Worthington is North America’s premier value-added steel processor providing customers with products and services for a variety of markets including automotive, construction and agriculture; a global leader in manufacturing pressure cylinders for industrial gas and cryogenic applications, CNG and LNG storage, oil and gas equipment, and consumer products for camping, grilling, hand torch solutions and helium balloon kits. Worthington employs approximately 11,000 people and operates 75 facilities in 10 countries. Founded in 1955, the company operates under a long-standing corporate philosophy rooted in the golden rule. Earning money for its shareholders is the first corporate goal. This philosophy serves as the basis for an unwavering commitment to the customer, supplier, and shareholder, and as the company’s foundation for one of the strongest employee-employer partnerships in American industry.
senior leadership
mike priest
president, alternate governor
Michael Priest was named president of the Columbus Blue Jackets on April 19, 2007. As the club’s top executive, he oversees all aspects of the franchise operations and serves as an alternate governor for the club on all National Hockey League-related matters. He has also served as the president of JMAC, Inc., the parent company of the Blue Jackets, since 2001. Priest joined JMAC, Inc in 1996. JMAC, Inc. is the private family holding company of John P. McConnell and the McConnell family, majority owner of the Blue Jackets. JMAC, Inc. also directs numerous investments and charitable activities for the McConnell family. Priest began his career in 1986 with the public accounting firm of Meaden & Moore, CPAs. During his tenure with Meaden & Moore, he earned his Certified Public Accountant certificate and achieved partner level. A native of south central Ohio, Priest graduated cum laude from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in business administration in 1986. He currently serves on the Finance Committee of Experience Columbus as well as the Executive Committee for the Greater Columbus Sports Commission. Priest is one of four managing board members for Columbus Arena Management, LLC (CAM). CAM is the management company for Nationwide Arena.
Front office
Hockey Operations
JARMO KEKALAINEN
General Manager and Alternate Governor
Jarmo Kekalainen was named the third general manager in Columbus Blue Jackets history on February 13, 2013. Since his arrival, the Blue Jackets have enjoyed the best on-ice stretch in club history, posting their three winningest seasons over the past three campaigns: 2016-17 (50-24-8, 108 pts), 2018-19 (47-31-4, 98 pts.) and 2017-18 (45-30-7, 97 pts.). Columbus has also registered 42-plus wins in five of the past six campaigns and earned four Stanley Cup Playoff berths during his tenure. The Blue Jackets are one of seven teams to qualify for the playoffs in each of the past three seasons and registered three consecutive winning seasons for the first time from 2012-15. The first European-born general manager in NHL history, he served as assistant general manager for Finland’s World Cup of Hockey 2016 team and at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia, where the squad won the bronze medal. He arrived in Columbus after a stint as the president and general manager of Jokerit in the Finnish Elite League from 2010-13. Kekalainen spent eight seasons with the St. Louis Blues from 2002-10. He joined the club as director of amateur scouting and was named assistant general manager and director of amateur scouting in 2005. In that role, he was involved in all facets of hockey operations, including professional scouting efforts and overseeing the club’s amateur scouting and draft preparations. During his eight years in St. Louis, the Blues drafted players such as David Backes, Roman Polak, David Perron, T.J. Oshie, Patrik Berglund and Alex Pietrangelo. Kekalainen was a member of the Ottawa Senators organization from 1995-2002, serving as director of player personnel for three years and also overseeing the amateur draft and the club’s scouting efforts in Europe. While working with the Senators, he also served as general manager of IFK Helsinki in the Finnish Elite League from 1995 to 1999 and led the club to the league championship in 1998. As a player, he appeared in 55 career NHL games with the Senators and Boston Bruins during a six-year career. A left wing, he scored five goals and added eight assists for 13 points with 28 penalty minutes, including a career-high 1-5-6 and 14 penalty minutes in 28 games with the Senators during the 1993-94 season. He also played in the American Hockey League and his native Finland before wrapping up his playing career with Vasteras IK in the Swedish Elite League in 1994-95. Before signing with the Bruins, Kekalainen played two seasons at Clarkson University from 1987-89. He was named to the Eastern Collegiate Athletic Conference First All-Star Team after tallying 19-25-44 and 47 penalty minutes in 31 games during the 1988-89 season. He also represented Finland at the 1986 World Junior Championships and the 1991 Canada Cup Tournament. Kekalainen was born on July 3, 1966 in Tampere, Finland. He has a bachelor’s degree in management from Clarkson University and a master’s in business marketing from the University of Tampere. He and his wife, Tiina, are the parents of daughters, Emilia and Sofia.
Hockey Operations
Ville Siren was named director of amateur scouting of the Columbus Blue Jackets on July 6, 2016 after serving as the club’s head amateur scout since joining the organization on July 8, 2013. Siren spent nine seasons as a member of the St. Louis Blues scouting staff from 2003-13. During that time, he was instrumental in the club’s selection of current NHL players such as Vladimir Tarasenko (1st Rd., 2010), Lars Eller (1st Rd., 2007), Patrik Berglund (1st Rd., 2006), Nikita Nikitin (5th Rd., 2004) and Roman Polak (6th Rd., 2004). Prior to joining the Blues, he spent the 2002-03 season working with Tampere of the Finnish Elite League and scouted for the Washington Capitals from 1999-2002. A defenseman, Siren was selected by the Hartford Whalers in the second round, 23rd overall, at the 1983 NHL Draft and made his NHL debut with the Pittsburgh Penguins during the 1985-86 season. He went on to register 14 goals and 68 assists for 82 points with 276 penalty minutes in 290 career NHL games with the Penguins and Minnesota North Stars from 1985-90. He also played nine seasons in Finland, Sweden and Switzerland before retiring in 1999, and represented Finland in numerous international competitions including the 1984 and 1992 Olympic Games, 1987 and 1991 Canada Cup tournaments, 1983 and 1984 World Junior Championships and 1985, 1991 and 1993 World Championships. Siren was born on Feb. 11, 1964 in Tampere, Finland. He is the father of a son, Viktor.
VILLE SIREN
Rick Nash was named special assistant to the general manager of the Blue Jackets on June 13, 2019 and will assist the hockey operations department in a variety of areas, including player evaluations, player recruitment and prospect development. The former Blue Jackets captain announced his retirement as a player following a 15-year career in January 2019. Nash spent his first nine NHL seasons with the Blue Jackets after the club selected him with the first overall pick at the 2002 NHL Draft and served as the club’s captain from 2008-12. He is the franchise’s all-time leader in games played, goals, assists and points as he registered 289-258-547 and 568 penalty minutes in 674 games from 2002-12. In 1,060 career NHL games, the Brampton, Ontario native tallied 437-368-805 and 750 penalty minutes with Columbus, NY Rangers and Boston. Nash was a finalist for the Calder Memorial Trophy as the NHL’s top rookie and an All-Rookie Team selection in 2002-03. He won the Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy as the NHL’s top goal scorer in 2003-04 when he notched 41-16-57 in 80 games and received the NHL Foundation Player Award in 2008-09 for his contributions off the ice and in the community. He appeared in five All-Star Games as a Blue Jacket (2004, 2007, 2008, 2009, 2011) and one as a Ranger (2015), and represented Canada at three Olympic Games (2006, 2010-gold and 2014-gold), four IIHF World Championships (2005-silver, 2007-gold, 2008-silver, 2011) and one IIHF World Junior Championship (2002-silver). He and his wife, Jessica, are the parents of sons, McLaren and Finn; and daughter, Ellie. The family resides in Upper Arlington.
RICK NASH
Nelson Ayotte joined the Columbus Blue Jackets in July 2016 as high performance consultant and now serves as the club’s director of high performance. Ayotte joined the Blue Jackets after spending the previous 11 seasons with the St. Louis Blues as their strength and conditioning coach. He is recognized as one of the top sports performance training coaches in the world and has a level five rating with the National Canadian Coaching Program, which is its highest rating. Ayotte was chosen as Canadian coach of the year in 1998 and Quebec coach of the year in 1998, 1999 and 2000. He also won the Canadian Military Land Forces Coach of the Year in 2002. Ayotte has coached with Canadian National teams, US Olympic track and field, and worked with several professional athletes in the NHL, NFL, MLB, NBA and PGA. He has lectured on training methodology across North and South America and also in Europe. Ayotte is an innovator of sports training and holistic physical fitness with several supplement products and training systems to his credit. He graduated from the International Coaching School of the University of Victoria B.C and is a Master-course conductor of the National Coaching Institute of Montreal, Quebec. He and his wife, Esther, have two sons, Jeremy and Nicolas.
NELSON AYOTTE
Chris Clark was promoted to director of player personnel for the Blue Jackets on June 13, 2019 after spending the previous seven seasons with the club as a development coach and most recently its director of player development. While continuing to be involved with the development of players throughout the organization, he will have an active role in evaluating personnel at the NHL level and will serve as the general manager of the Cleveland Monsters, the club’s American Hockey League affiliate. A native of South Windsor, Connecticut, Clark registered 103-111-214 and 700 penalty minutes in 607 career NHL games with the Blue Jackets, Washington Capitals and Calgary Flames, including 8-12-20 and 59 penalty minutes in 89 games with Columbus from 2009-11. He spent four-plus seasons with the Capitals, tallying 60-63-123 and 278 penalty minutes in 240 games with the club and served as captain from 2006-09. Calgary’s third pick, 77th overall, in the 1994 NHL Draft, Clark earned All-ECAC honors during four seasons at Clarkson University from 1994-98. He then spent six seasons in the Flames organization from 1998-04, and helped the club reach the 2004 Stanley Cup Final.
Director of Player Personnel/General Manager, Cleveland Monsters
CHRIS CLARK
Josh Flynn was named assistant general manager for the Blue Jackets on June 13, 2019 after previously serving as the director of hockey administration. He is responsible for assisting in all facets of the hockey operations department, including salary cap management, contract negotiations and research, salary arbitration, statistical research and strategic planning, and he is the club’s liaison to the National Hockey League regarding matters pertaining to the NHL-NHLPA collective bargaining agreement. Flynn joined the Blue Jackets hockey operations department in June 2008 after spending the previous two seasons with KO Sports Agency in Denver, Colorado, where he worked on contract negotiations for several NHL players represented by the agency. Flynn was born on December 8, 1982 in Toronto, Ontario. He received a bachelor’s degree in political science from the University of Toronto in 2004 and earned his Juris Doctorate from the Sturm College of Law at the University of Denver in 2007. He and his wife, Jen, reside in Upper Arlington with her daughter, Parker.
Assistant General Manager
JOSH FLYNN
Basil McRae was named assistant general manager for the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 13, 2019 after serving the previous three seasons as director of player personnel. He also was a scout for the club in 2013-14. McRae, who has been a part owner of the Ontario Hockey League’s London Knights since 2000, also spent two years as alternate governor and general manager of the OHL club from 2014-16. London captured OHL and Memorial Cup championships in 2016. Prior to his original stint in Columbus, McRae served as a scout for the St. Louis Blues for five seasons. In addition to two decades of scouting experience, McRae played 16 seasons in the NHL between 1981-96, registering 53 goals and 83 assists for 136 points with 2,453 penalty minutes in 576 games with the Quebec Nordiques, Toronto Maple Leafs, Detroit Red Wings, Minnesota North Stars, Tampa Bay Lightning, St. Louis Blues and Chicago Blackhawks. The Beaverton, Ontario native was a fifth round pick of Quebec in the 1980 NHL Draft. He and his wife, Jill, are the parents of son, Philip, and daughters, Alexandra and Abigail.
BILL ZITO
Assistant General Manager
BASIL McRAE
Bill Zito joined the club in August 2013 as assistant general manager and was promoted to associate general manager in September 2018. He was named the team’s senior vice president of hockey operations, associate general manager and alternate governor on June 13, 2019. Since joining the Blue Jackets, he has been an integral part of the club’s management team in the areas of contract negotiations, scouting and player evaluation, salary cap management and budgeting. He also served as general manager of the Cleveland Monsters, Columbus’ American Hockey League affiliate, from 2015-19. The Monsters became the first Blue Jackets affiliate in franchise history to win a Calder Cup championship in 2016. Zito served as the general manager of the United States Men’s National Team that captured bronze at the 2018 IIHF World Championships in Denmark and was a member of the management team for the Team USA squad that won a bronze medal at the 2015 IIHF World Championships. Zito joined the Blue Jackets after using scouting as a platform to build Acme World Sports into one of the top hockey agencies in the business. In 2013, Forbes ranked Acme as the eighth-most valuable hockey agency in the world with almost $200 million in contracts under management. In 2007, The Hockey News lauded Zito in their “genius” issue for his scouting prowess, noting his ability to uncover late-round or undrafted, lesser-known players as well as the top picks. As the agency’s founder and president, he represented players such as Vezina Trophy and Conn Smythe Trophy winner Tim Thomas, Vezina Trophy winner Tuukka Rask, Vezina Trophy finalist Antti Niemi and All-Stars Kimmo Timonen and Brian Rafalski. He is a graduate of Yale University, where he played varsity hockey from 1984-87. After a one-year stint playing hockey in Europe, Zito attended law school at the University of Wisconsin and during that time served as an assistant coach for the Badgers hockey team. Upon earning his law degree, he practiced appellate litigation and sports law in Chicago before founding Acme in 1995. Zito was born on September 16, 1964 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He and his wife, Julie, are the parents of twin daughters, Gigi and Frankie, and son, Billy.
Senior VP of Hockey Operations, Associate General Manager and Alternate Governor
Director of High Performance
Special Assistant to the General Manager
Director of Amateur Scouting
Support Staff
Coaching staff
JOHN TORTORELLA
Head Coach
John Tortorella was named head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets on October 21, 2015. He is the winningest coach in franchise history with a 176-118-27 record (.590) in 321 games and has led the Blue Jackets to three-straight berths in the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the first time in the club's 18 seasons. Tortorella won his second Jack Adams Award as the NHL’s Coach of the Year after he led Columbus to the best season in franchise history with a 50-24-8 record and 108 points in 2016-17. The club finished with the fourth-best record in the NHL and reached the Stanley Cup Playoffs for the third time in franchise history. The Boston native has compiled a 622-493-142 record (.551 points percentage) in 1,257 games during his NHL coaching career with the Tampa Bay Lightning, New York Rangers, Vancouver Canucks and Blue Jackets. His teams have qualified for the Stanley Cup Playoffs 11 times and he led the Lightning to the 2004 Stanley Cup championship and the Rangers to the 2012 Eastern Conference Final. He ranks first all-time among U.S.-born coaches in NHL wins and on January 10, 2019, he became the 19th coach in NHL history (sixth active) to post 600 career victories when Columbus earned a 4-3 overtime win vs. Nashville. Tortorella became a full-time head coach in the NHL with Tampa Bay during the 2000-01 season and compiled a 239-222-74 record in 535 games during six-plus seasons with the club. He led the Lightning to Southeast Division titles in 2002-03 and 2003-04. In the latter campaign, he won the Jack Adams Award as the club went 46-22-14 (106 points) and won the Stanley Cup. He joined the Rangers in February 2009 and posted a 171-118-30 record in 319 games, including a four-game stint as interim coach during the 1999-00 season. He led New York to the playoffs on four occasions and ranks fifth on the club’s all-time wins list and is sixth in games coached. In 2011-12, he guided the Rangers to the third-best regular season in franchise history with a 51-24-7 mark (109 points) and a spot in the Eastern Conference Final. He joined the Canucks prior to the 2013-14 campaign and guided the club to a 36-35-11 mark. Internationally, Tortorella served as head coach for Team USA at the World Cup of Hockey 2016 and was an assistant coach with Team USA at the 2010 Olympic Games, helping the club capture a silver medal. He also served as head coach at the 2008 World Championships and was an assistant coach for Team USA at the 2005 World Championships. He began his coaching career in 1986-87 with the Virginia Lancers of the Atlantic Coast Hockey League, leading the club to a championship and winning Coach of the Year honors in back-to-back seasons in 1986-87 and 1987-88. He returned to coaching with the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans from 1995-97 and won the 1996 Calder Cup championship in his first season. He went on to serve as an assistant coach with the Buffalo Sabres, Phoenix Coyotes and Rangers. As a player, Tortorella was a member of the Salem State College team before transferring to the University of Maine, where he spent three seasons. During the 1981-82 season, Tortorella played for Kristianstads IK in Sweden before returning to play in the ACHL with the Hampton Roads Gulls, Erie Golden Blades and Virginia Lancers. Tortorella was born on June 24, 1958. He and his wife, Christine, are the parents of daughter, Brittany, and son, Dominick. Actively involved in the community, Tortorella and his family support numerous causes through The John and Christine Tortorella Family Foundation. Animal rescue and fundraising for local shelters is a passion for the Tortorella family.
Coaching Staff
KENNY McCUDDEN
Dan Singleton joined the Blue Jackets in September 2000 as video coordinator. He was named video assistant coach in June 2011. He came to Columbus after spending the previous six years as the video coordinator for the Michigan State University hockey team. He also served as a video coach for Team USA’s Men’s Ice Hockey Team that earned a bronze medal at the 2015 IIHF World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic. Born in Boulder, Colorado, he grew up in Ottawa, Ontario and attended McGill University in Montreal, earning a bachelor’s degree in physical education in 1994. He then went to Michigan State, where he earned a master’s degree in sports psychology in 1998.
DAN SINGLETON
Kevin Collins was named strength and conditioning coach for the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 29, 2010. Collins joined the Blue Jackets after spending the previous five seasons with the Buffalo Sabres organization as strength and conditioning/video coach. He spent two seasons with the Portland Pirates (2008-10) and the previous three with the Rochester Americans (2005-08), the Sabres’ American Hockey League affiliates. He started his career as an intern for Sabres Strength and Conditioning Coach Doug McKenney in 2004-05. A Detroit, Michigan native, Collins played four years of collegiate hockey at SUNY Brockport, where he graduated with degrees in Exercise Physiology and Business Management. He is certified through National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA) as a certified strength and conditioning specialist. Collins was born April 11, 1982. He and his wife, Amanda, are the parents of daughters, Audrey and Karli, and reside in Blacklick.
KEVIN COLLINS
Manny Legace joined the Blue Jackets on July 5, 2018 after spending five seasons as the goaltending coach for the club’s American Hockey League affiliates, the Cleveland Monsters and Springfield Falcons. Legace, who was the Hartford Whalers' eighth round pick, 188th overall, at the 1993 NHL Draft, enjoyed an 18-year playing career that included 11 NHL seasons in which he compiled a 187-99-41 record with a 2.41 goals-against average (GAA), .912 save percentage (SV%) and 24 shutouts (SO) in 365 games with the Los Angeles Kings, Detroit Red Wings, St. Louis Blues and Carolina Hurricanes. He was a member of Detroit’s 2002 Stanley Cup championship squad and represented St. Louis at the 2008 NHL All-Star Game. The Toronto, Ontario native helped Canada win a silver medal at the 1994 Winter Olympic Games a year after being named the top goaltender and winning a gold medal at the 1993 IIHF World Junior Championships. He was an AHL All-Star and earned the Baz Bastien Award as the AHL’s Top Goaltender in 1995-96 and was an Ontario Hockey League All-Star and the league’s Goaltender of the Year with the Niagara Falls Thunder in 1992-93. In addition to working with goaltenders in the Blue Jackets organization for several years, Legace has extensive teaching and coaching experience. He opened his first hockey school in 1996, served as goaltending coach for USHL’s Muskegon Lumberjacks and has operated Legace Hockey Academy in southeast Michigan since 2012.
MANNY LEGACE
Brad Shaw was named assistant coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets on June 17, 2016, joining the club after spending the previous 10 years with the St. Louis Blues. He served as an assistant coach from 2006-12 and associate coach from 2012-16. During his tenure in St. Louis, he helped the club to six appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs in his final eight seasons, including each of the final five, and a berth in the Western Conference Final in 2015-16. Shaw joined the Blues after serving as an assistant coach and interim head coach with the New York Islanders in 2005-06. He spent the previous three seasons as head coach of the Cincinnati Mighty Ducks, Anaheim’s American Hockey League affiliate, leading the club to a pair of appearances in the Calder Cup Playoffs and a 44-31-4-1 record in 2004-05. He also served as an assistant coach with the Tampa Bay Lightning (1999-00), head coach of the International Hockey League’s Detroit Vipers (2000-01) and assistant coach with the AHL’s Springfield Falcons (2001-02). A defenseman, Shaw played 15 seasons in the NHL, IHL and AHL from 1984-99. Selected by the Detroit Red Wings in the fifth round, 86th overall, at the 1982 NHL Draft, he made his NHL debut in 1985-86 with the Hartford Whalers and went on to appear in 377 career games, registering 22 goals and 137 assists for 159 points and 208 penalty minutes with the Whalers, Ottawa Senators, Washington Capitals and Blues. He was named to the NHL All-Rookie Team with Hartford in 1989-90. During that time, he also spent two seasons as a player-assistant coach with the Detroit Vipers from 1995-97 and helped the club win the IHL’s Turner Cup championship in 1996-97. Shaw was born on April 28, 1964 in Cambridge, Ontario. He and his wife, Mary, are the parents of three children, Taylore, Brady, and Caroline.
Assistant Coach
BRAD SHAW
Kenny McCudden joined the Columbus Blue Jackets coaching staff in June 2015 after spending 16 seasons as the skating and skills coach of the American Hockey League’s Chicago Wolves. McCudden originally joined the Wolves in 1994, spent three seasons with the club from 1994-97 and then returned prior to the 2002-03 season. He was a part of teams that qualified for the former International Hockey League Turner Cup Playoffs three times and the American Hockey League Calder Cup Playoffs on eight occasions. He helped the Wolves advance to the 2005 Calder Cup Final and capture the Calder Cup championship in 2008. McCudden has worked with numerous NHL players and instructed at prospect camps for the Colorado Avalanche, St. Louis Blues and Atlanta Thrashers, as well as the Ontario Hockey League’s Sudbury Wolves and the Ontario Hockey Association. He was the skating and skills coach for the United States Women’s National Team from 2011-14. His stint with Team USA included serving as a scout for the silver medal-winning squad at the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi, Russia. The Chicago native was born on August 6, 1961. He has worked with thousands of youth and amateur players in the Chicago-area as operator and owner of Ice Company Hockey Schools since 1990. He began his career with the Chicago Blackhawks in 1979 as a 17-year-old stick boy and was the team’s assistant equipment manager when he left the organization in 1985. McCudden and his wife, Cathy, reside in Columbus.
Assistant Coach
BRAD LARSEN
Paul MacLean joined the Columbus Blue Jackets as an assistant coach/special teams in November 2019, bringing nearly four decades of experience as a player and coach to the organization. MacLean, 61, served three-plus seasons as the head coach of the Ottawa Senators from 2011-14, compiling a 114-90-35 record and leading the club to a pair of appearances in the Stanley Cup Playoffs. He won the Jack Adams Award as the NHL Coach of the Year in 2012-13 and was also a finalist for the award in 2011-12. He also spent 11 seasons as an assistant coach with the Phoenix Coyotes (1996-97), Anaheim Ducks (2002-04, 2015-17) and Detroit Red Wings (2005-11). During that span, he was a part of teams that qualified for the playoffs 10 times, made three appearances in the Stanley Cup Finals (Anaheim-2003; Detroit-2008, 2009) and won a Stanley Cup (Detroit-2008). MacLean was born in Grostenquin, France and raised in Antigonish, Nova Scotia. A seventh-round pick of the St. Louis Blues, he appeared in 719 career NHL games with the Blues, Winnipeg Jets and Red Wings between 1980-91. He registered 324 goals and 349 assists for 673 points with 968 penalty minutes and compiled three 40-goal and five 30-goal seasons. He tallied a career-high 41-60-101 in 79 games with the Jets in 1984-85 and played in the All-Star Game that season. After retiring as a player in 1991, he began his coaching career as the head coach of the International Hockey League’s Peoria Rivermen from 1993-96. He also served as head coach of the IHL’s Kansas City Blades from 1997-2000 and United Hockey League’s Quad City Mallards from 2000-02.
Assistant Coach/Special Teams
PAUL MacLEAN
Brad Larsen joined the Columbus Blue Jackets as an assistant coach on June 16, 2014 after spending two seasons as head coach of the Springfield Falcons, the club’s American Hockey League affiliate at the time. Originally hired by the Falcons as an assistant coach prior to the 2010-11 season, Larsen was promoted to head coach on May 21, 2012 and guided the club to a 92-45-15 record and a pair of Northeast Division titles in his two campaigns behind the bench. In his first year, he led Springfield to a 45-22-9 record (99 pts.), which represented a 21-point improvement over the previous season. The Falcons posted the first 100-point campaign in franchise history in 2013-14, finishing with the AHL’s third-best record at 47-23-6 (100 pts.). Larsen enjoyed a 13-year playing career that saw him register 19 goals and 29 assists for 48 points and 134 penalty minutes in 294 NHL games with the Colorado Avalanche and Atlanta Thrashers. He also appeared in 384 career AHL contests before retiring at the end of the 2009-10 season. Larsen was born on June 28, 1977 in Nakusp, British Columbia. He and his wife, Hannah, are the parents of a son, Ty, and daughter, Faith. The family resides in New Albany.
Assistant Coach
Goaltending Coach
Strength and Conditioning Coach
Video Assistant Coach
Scouting Staff
Medical Staff
Ken Cahill, M.D.Greg Denaeyer, O.D.Alice Epitropoulos, M.D.Karl Pappa, M.D.John Stechschulte, M.D.
MIKE VOGT
Ryan Goodman, MPT, OhioHealth
Mike Vogt joined the Columbus Blue Jackets as the head athletic trainer during the summer of 2008 after spending seven seasons with the Minnesota Wild as the club’s assistant athletic trainer. He served as an athletic trainer for Team USA’s Men’s Ice Hockey Team that earned a bronze medal at the 2015 IIHF World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic. During the lockout season of 2004-05, Vogt served as the head athletic trainer for the University of Minnesota’s men’s hockey team. Prior to joining the Wild, he served as the head athletic trainer/strength and conditioning coach for the WNBA’s Minnesota Lynx and the head athletic trainer/strength and conditioning coach for the two-time ABL Champion Columbus Quest. Vogt brings 25 years of amateur and professional sports medicine experience to the Blue Jackets. A native of Canton, Ohio, Vogt earned his bachelor of science degree from The Ohio State University in 1994. He is also certified as a Certified Strength and Conditioning Specialist, earning that certificate in 1999. He is a member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Ohio’s Athletic Trainers’ Association, Professional Hockey Athletic Trainers society, and the National Strength and Conditioning Association. He and his wife, Monica, reside in Upper Arlington with their son, Cole, and daughter, Olivia.
Andy Gilbert, D.D.S, M.S. Dante Colosimo, D.D.S Douglas Goff, D.D.S
Robert Bornstein, PhD
MEDICAL SUPPORT STAFF
Chris Strickland joined the Columbus Blue Jackets as assistant athletic trainer in 2008 after spending the previous four years with the Colorado Rockies Baseball Club, where he was named the 2007 Colorado Rockies Player Developmental Man of the Year. His experience also includes five years in the NBA with the Minnesota Timberwolves, Cleveland Cavaliers and Dallas Mavericks, as well as serving as the head athletic trainer with the Saint Paul Saints Baseball Club for six years. Strickland has also worked with the Women's USA Hockey team in 2011 in Finland. The native of Longview, Texas is a graduate of the University of North Texas, where he received a degree in Kinesiology and Biology with an emphasis in Sports Medicine. He earned a master’s of science degree in rehabilitative science from The California University of Pennsylvania in 2009. Strickland is also certified as a Corrective Exercises Specialist, and a Licensed Massage Therapist concentrating on Manual Therapy and Active Release Technique. A nationally certified athletic trainer, Strickland is a member of the Professional Hockey Athletic Training Society (PHATS), GLATA, NATA and the Southwest Athletic Trainers’ Association, and was active in the Professional Baseball Athletic Trainers’ Society from 2004-08. He and his wife, Zenia, are the parents of daughters,Azul, Genesis and Cielo, and son, Presley.
CHRIS STRICKLAND
NATES GOTO
RICHARD SCHEETZ, D.D.S., M.S.
Naoto “Nates” Goto joined the Columbus Blue Jackets as assistant athletic trainer in June 2012. Prior to joining the club, he spent seven seasons with the New York Islanders, including six as the assistant athletic trainer and one as the team’s massage therapist. He arrived in New York after serving as the head athletic trainer for the Niagara University men’s ice hockey team from 1996-2005. During that time, he also worked with the Florida Panthers as an athletic trainer and was the head athletic trainer for the 2003 Men’s NCAA Frozen Four Tournament held at HSBC Arena in Buffalo, New York. His experience also includes stints at Siena College, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, the Arena Football League’s Albany Firebirds, as well as at the 1992 USA Cup Hockey Tournament and the summer Empire State Games from 1991-96. A member of the National Athletic Trainers’ Association, Goto received a bachelor’s degree in physical education from Nippon Sports Science University in Tokyo, Japan and a master’s degree in physical education while completing the N.A.T.A. Approved Graduate Athletic Training Curriculum at Western Michigan University. He is a NATA certified Athletic Trainer and Licensed Athletic Trainer in Ohio. Also he is Licensed Massage Therapist in New York and Ohio.
Dr Richard Scheetz, a native of Boardman, Ohio, is a board certified Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon and has been a team physician during 16 of the club’s 18 seasons. He has been voted the best Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon by his peers in central Ohio in the most recent poll for dentists. He has given lectures to physicians and dentists locally, regionally, nationally and internationally on topics relative to Oral and Maxillofacial (jaw and face) surgery. Dr. Scheetz was a varsity wrestler at The University of Notre Dame and received his dental and Oral and Maxillofacial surgery training at The Ohio State University, where he also earned a Master’s Degree in Anatomy. Part of his training included serving as an honorary registrar in London, England at Westminster Hospital. He was a member of the Maxillofacial Trauma Team at Grant Medical Center for 15 years and has also treated athletes from professional basketball, football, lacrosse, and soccer. His practice primarily focuses on oral and facial reconstruction (orthognathic surgery), dental implants and wisdom teeth removal and he maintains hospital privileges at OhioHealth hospitals Grant Medical Center and Dublin Methodist Hospital. To learn more about Dr Scheetz and his practice, visit www.omfso.com.
GREGORY A. REKOS, D.D.S., M.S.
TIM LEROY
Dr. Gregory Rekos graduated with honors from West Virginia University School of Dentistry. He completed his specialty training in Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery at The Ohio State University, where he also earned his master’s degree. He is board certified by the American Board of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons. Dr. Rekos practices the full scope of oral surgery with a special interest in managing facial trauma, orthognathic surgery, as well as the removal of wisdom teeth and placement of dental implants. As a former athlete, Dr. Rekos appreciates the injury potential in any sporting activity and has treated athletes of all ages and skill levels. His private practice is located in Dublin, Ohio. He maintains hospital privileges at both Dublin Methodist Hospital and Grant Medical Center. To learn more about Dr. Rekos and his practice, visit www.omfso.com.
Tim LeRoy joined the Columbus Blue Jackets as equipment manager prior to the inaugural 2000-01 season and has over 30 years of experience in professional hockey. He came to Columbus after spending six years with the Florida Panthers, most recently as the club’s associate equipment manager. The Kalamazoo, Michigan native began his career with the International Hockey League’s Kalamazoo Wings as an assistant equipment manager from 1987-90. He then spent three years with the Kansas City Blades, San Jose’s IHL affiliate, from 1990-93. Tim and his wife, Angie, are the parents of a son, Kolter, and reside in Westerville.
Team Physician
JAMIE HEALY
MARK TRIFFON, M.D.
Jamie Healy has served as the assistant equipment manager for the Columbus Blue Jackets since prior to the inaugural 2000-01 season. He also served as an equipment manager for Team USA’s Men’s Ice Hockey Team that earned a bronze medal at the 2015 IIHF World Championships in Prague, Czech Republic. Prior to coming to Columbus, Healy spent the 1999-00 season as equipment manager for the East Coast Hockey League champion Peoria Rivermen. The Kalamazoo, Michigan native has also served as the equipment manager for the Alexandria Warthogs (WPHL, 1998-99) and Kalamazoo Wings (IHL, 1993-95). His family includes wife, Darlene, and sons, Garrett, and Brendan. The family resides in Columbus.
Dr. Mark Triffon specializes in fractures, pediatrics, sports medicine and shoulder, elbow and knee disorders. Along with providing care to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Dr. Triffon serves as head team physician for Rahal Letterman Racing and assists with care of the Columbus Crew SC and numerous local high schools. Dr. Triffon earned his Doctorate Degree in Medicine from The Ohio State University, College of Medicine and Public Health. He completed a residency in orthopedic surgery at the University of Southern California, Los Angeles, and a Fellowship in Sports Medicine at the Minneapolis Sports Medicine Center, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Prior to his tenure as an assistant professor of orthopedic surgery at The Ohio State University, he was a clinical instructor of orthopedics and rehabilitation at Vanderbilt University. Dr. Triffon is a proud member of the OhioHealth Sports Medicine Institute. To learn more about Dr. Triffon and his practice, visit www.ortho-ohio.com.
JASON STYPINSKI
Dr. Jason Dapore is a fellowship-trained sports medicine physician with special interests in musculoskeletal ultrasound, platelet rich plasma injection therapy, osteopathic manipulative therapies and sports performance. With his passion for sports and an active lifestyle, Dr. Dapore has dedicated his career to restoring patients—at all levels of activity—back to their fullest. Dr. Dapore received his medical degree from the Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He served as Chief Resident for Doctors Hospital Family Medicine program and completed his Primary Care Sports Medicine Fellowship at The Ohio State University. Dr. Dapore was named to Columbus Business First Forty Under 40 Class of 2013. His practice is dedicated to comprehensive non-operative musculoskeletal care from acute injuries to chronic musculoskeletal pain. Dr. Dapore is a proud member of the OhioHealth Sports Medicine Institute. To learn more about Dr. Dapore and his practice, visit www.spinesportandjointcenter.com or follow him on Twitter @jdapore.
Jason Stypinski joined the Blue Jackets as an equipment assistant prior to the 2005-06 season. Prior to joining the club, he served as a facilities director for the Chiller Ice Rinks and also worked Blue Jackets games as a locker room attendant for visiting teams playing at Nationwide Arena. Stypinski spent several years as an equipment manager in the ECHL, serving in that capacity for the Peoria Rivermen (2000-01), Jackson Bandits (1999-00), Columbus Chill (1996-99) and Jacksonville Lizard Kings (1995-96).
Team Physician
JASON DAPORE, D.O.
Dr. Greg Bellisari is a Board Certified orthopedic surgeon with fellowship training in Sports Medicine. A Florida native, he completed undergraduate training and medical school at The Ohio State University. Dr. Bellisari went on to complete a fellowship training program in Sports Medicine at OrthoCarolina while caring for amateur, collegiate and professional athletes. He is a former professional athlete who played in the NFL after playing college football at Ohio State. As a medical professional, Dr. Bellisari has been involved in multiple youth and high school sports programs. He is a member of the OhioHealth Sports Medicine Institute and enjoys taking care of central Ohio athletes at all levels. He was nationally nominated as a “Best Doctor” in orthopedic sports medicine in 2017-18 and earned “teacher of the year” for his involvement in the orthopedic residency program.
Team Physician
Team Physical Therapist:
Head Athletic Trainer
Training Staff
Neuropsychologist:
Ophthalmology:
Dentistry:
Assistant Athletic Trainer
Assistant Athletic Trainer
Team Physician
JOSEPH RUANE, D.O.
Team Physician
Equipment Manager
Medical Director
Assistant Equipment Manager
Dr. Joseph Ruane is the medical director for the Columbus Blue Jackets and has been a member of the club’s medical team since the inaugural 2000-01 season. He is the founder and medical director of the McConnell Spine, Sport and Joint Center and is a Clinical Assistant Professor of Sports Medicine at The Ohio State University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He is also the co-founder of the OhioHealth Sports Medicine Institute. With his passion for athletics, Dr. Ruane’s special interests include regenerative tissue therapies, soft-tissue pain syndromes, challenges of the aging population and patient education. He has earned several awards for excellence in teaching and clinical service, and is published in peer-reviewed journals and texts. He also travels nationally, educating his peers in musculoskeletal medicine. Dr. Ruane graduated from the Philadelphia College of Osteopathic Medicine and served his residency at Doctors Hospital in Columbus, where he was chief resident in Family Medicine. He completed a Fellowship in Sports Medicine with Horizon Orthopedic, the team physicians for MLB’s Cleveland Indians. To learn more about Dr. Ruane and his practice, visit www.spinesportandjointcenter.com.
Assistant Equipment Manager
GREG BELLISARI, M.D.
2019-20 columbus blue jackets
2019-20 Columbus Blue Jackets
2019-20 Columbus Blue Jackets Prospects
MIKE EAVES
head coach
Mike Eaves was named head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ American Hockey League affiliate, the Cleveland Monsters, on June 18, 2019. Eaves, 63, spent 14 seasons as the head coach at the University of Wisconsin from 2002-16, compiling a 267-225-66 record and leading the Badgers to seven appearances in the NCAA tournament, two championship game appearances (2005-06, 2009-10) and the NCAA title in 2005-06. In 2004, he served as head coach of Team USA at the IIHF World Junior Championships and led the team to its first-ever gold medal at the tournament. Eaves began his coaching career in 1988 as an assistant with the Philadelphia Flyers, spending two seasons with the club before being named head coach of the AHL’s Hershey Bears and compiling a 96-109-35 mark between 1990-93. He went on to spend the 1996-97 season as the head coach of HIFK Helsinki (Liiga, Finland’s top professional league), served as an assistant coach with the Pittsburgh Penguins from 1997-2000 and the head coach of the United States Junior National Team in 2000-01. He spent the past three seasons coaching at Minnesota’s St. Olaf College. The Denver, Colorado native was a two-time All-American at Wisconsin and represented Team USA at the 1976 and 1978 World Hockey Championships. Selected by St. Louis in the 1976 NHL Draft, he went on to register 83-143-226 and 80 penalty minutes in 324 career games with the Minnesota North Stars and Calgary Flames before retiring in 1986.
cleveland monsters
Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse / 1 Center Ice / Cleveland, Ohio 44115 / clevelandmonsters.com / p: 216.420.0000
JOHN H. McCONNELL
Head Coach
John H. McConnell was the Columbus Blue Jackets’ majority owner, chairman and governor. A highly respected business leader, philanthropist and founder of Worthington Industries, he passed away on April 25, 2008 at the age of 84. Mr. McConnell, who was born on May 10, 1923, in Pughtown, West Virginia, was the son of a steel worker and grew up during the Great Depression. He served aboard the U.S.S. Saratoga during World War II and married his high school sweetheart, Peggy Rardin, upon discharge from the Navy. He then used the GI Bill to enter Michigan State University, where he studied business and played football. While working for Weirton Steel Corp., Mr. McConnell identified a niche in the industry for custom steel processing services. He used his 1952 Oldsmobile as collateral for a loan and, in 1955, launched Worthington Industries and the steel processing industry. Today, the company he founded in Columbus is traded on the New York Stock Exchange and employs 12,000 people in 84 facilities in 11 countries. It has annual sales of approximately $3.5 billion. He served as chairman until 1996 and retired from the board in 2002. Although he stepped down from a formal leadership role in the company, Mr. McConnell’s leadership style, which has been included in the business curriculum at Harvard University and praised by management guru Tom Peters, still drives the company’s culture. That philosophy, based on the Golden Rule: “We treat our customers, employees, investors and suppliers as we would like to be treated,” is the subject of Mr. McConnell’s 2004 book, “Our Golden Rule.” Through his humanitarian and community efforts, Mr. McConnell became widely recognized as one of Columbus’ most generous citizens. His charitable contributions led to the McConnell Heart Hospital at Riverside Hospital, which provides treatment and prevention services for heart-related illnesses. The more than $15 million donation to develop the hospital was the largest gift ever received by Riverside Hospital or its parent company, OhioHealth. In 1997, Mr. McConnell led a group of investors to bring the National Hockey League to Columbus. The Blue Jackets played their first game in September 2000. The arrival of the team brought an influx of development and community pride to Columbus. Before the team even took the ice, he made sure the Blue Jackets organization would serve its community in other ways, too. The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation was established in March of 2000 to help improve the quality of life throughout central Ohio. Mr. McConnell also was one of the early investors in the Columbus Crew Major League Soccer franchise and previously was a minority owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates baseball club and the Columbus Destroyers Arena Football League team. Through his work ethic, business acumen, philanthropy, sense of community and genuine desire to do the right thing for his customers, employees and community, Mr. McConnell established himself as a leader, not only in Columbus, but also throughout the steel industry and the business world. In September 2008, Mr. McConnell posthumously received from the United States Navy Memorial the Lone Sailor Award, “which is given to Sea Service veterans who have excelled with distinction in their respective careers while exemplifying the core values of Honor, Courage and Commitment.” He had previously been named Chief Executive Officer of the Year by Financial World magazine, while Industry Week magazine recognized him for Excellence in Management. He was the recipient of the Horatio Alger Award and the National Football Foundation Gold Medal Award. He received the 33rd degree Scottish Rite Mason, the Ohio Governor’s Award and the Michigan State University Outstanding Alumni Award. He was inducted into the Junior Achievement National Business Hall of Fame, the Central Ohio Business Hall of Fame and the Columbus Hall of Fame.
JOHN H. McCONNELL
columbus blue jackets players, 2000-19
Game night slideshow
Follow the Blue Jackets online and through your favorite social media channels. BlueJackets.com is the ultimate source for all things Blue Jackets including feature stories, video and audio content, player profiles and interviews, real time statistics and game scoring, ticket and promotions information and an online team store. It is also home to JACKETS TV, presented by OhioHealth, which provides in-depth game coverage, inside access on and off the ice with players, coaches and team personalities, game highlights, live press conferences and more! Stay connected to the Blue Jackets, receive exclusive offers and enter special contests to win tickets, autographed merchandise and more through the team’s official pages on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat and YouTube. Visit the Social Media page on BlueJackets.com to learn more or follow us on the following @BlueJacketsNHL accounts:
social jackets
Off the ice
tv/radio
Television Analyst
Radio Play-by-Play
Fans can catch all the action of Blue Jackets hockey on the El Dorado Gaming Scioto Downs Blue Jackets Radio Network, which boasts 44 stations across Ohio and West Virginia. The network, with Bob McElligott calling the play-by-play action, will carry all games on flagship stations Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan (WBNS-FM) or CD 102.5FM (WWCD-FM). Fans can also access the radio broadcast via the team website (BlueJackets.com) and the mobile app.Fans can also tune in via the Blue Jackets Radio Network affiliates – WATH- AM 970/FM 97.1 Athens/Nelsonville; WBLL- AM 1390/FM 106.9 Bellefontaine/Urbana; WING- AM 1410 Dayon; WJAW- FM 100.9 McConnelsville; WMOA- AM 1490 Marietta; WMRN- AM 1490 Marion; WLOH- AM 1320/FM 99.3 Lancaster/Logan; WEOL- AM 930 Elyria; WFIN- AM 1330/FM 95.5 Findlay/Bowling Green; WBEX- AM 1490/FM 92.7 Chillicothe/Frankfort; WCHO- AM 1250 Washington Court House; WILE- AM 1270/FM 107.9 Cambridge/Zanesville; WNXT- AM 1260 Portsmouth/Wheelersburg; WMPO- AM 1390/FM 103.7 Middleport/Pomeroy; WMOH- AM 1450 Hamilton; WARF- AM 1350 Akron; WINT- AM 1330/FM 92.1 Willoughby/Ashtabula; WCIT- AM 940 Lima; WTCR- AM 1420 Huntington, WV; WIRO- AM 1230 Ironton; WWOW- AM 1360 Conneaut; WMOV- AM 1360/FM 93.5 Ravenswood/Ripley, WV; WDLR- AM 1550/FM 92.9 Delaware/Marysville; WKKI- FM 94.3 Celina; WFOB- AM 1430, WBVI- FM 96.7 Fostoria; WSRW- AM 1590/FM 101.5 Hillsboro/Wilmington; WSAI- AM 1360 Cincinnati, WNCO-AM 1340 Ashland/Mansfield and WBNS- FM 95.3 Kenton.
Original Blue Jacket Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre rejoined the organization as a studio analyst for the club's broadcast team on FOX Sports Ohio on September 3, 2019. He joins Brian Giesenschlag on Blue Jackets Live pre- and post-game shows and intermissions during games televised by the network.Grand-Pierre, who has been a contributor on Blue Jackets radio broadcasts during the past three Stanley Cup Playoffs, was a member of the Blue Jackets’ inaugural team in 2000-01. He appeared in 202 games with the club, registering four goals and 10 assists for 14 points with 239 penalty minutes between 2000-04. He tallied 7-13-20 and 311 penalty minutes in 269 career NHL games with Columbus, Buffalo, Atlanta and Washington and went on to play professionally in Sweden, Finland and Germany before retiring in 2013. A native of Montreal, Quebec, Grand-Pierre was a seventh-round pick of the St. Louis Blues in the 1995 NHL Draft. He played for Beauport and Val-d’Or in the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League before making his professional debut with the American Hockey League’s Rochester Americans in 1997-98 and appearing in his first NHL game with the Sabres the following season. He was acquired by Columbus in a trade with Buffalo on June 23, 2000. He and his wife, Jennifer, are the parents of a daughter, Darby, and son, Dennyn. The family resides in New Albany.
Pre- and Post-Game TV Analyst
JEAN-LUC GRAND-PIERR
Former Columbus Blue Jackets forward Jody Shelley rejoined the organization in August 2013 when he was named a broadcast associate and team ambassador. He began serving as the club’s television color analyst on FOX Sports Ohio in 2014-15. In addition to his broadcast duties, the Columbus fan favorite is also actively engaged in various business and community initiatives for the organization, including leading the organization's alumni group.In addition to his duties on FOX Sports Ohio, Shelley is featured on Jackets TV on BlueJackets.com and co-hosts “The Inside Edge” with club radio play-by-play announcer Bob McElligott, a weekly radio show on the Blue Jackets Radio Network and flagship station Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan. Shelley, who retired in 2013 after a career that spanned 16 years and over 600 NHL games, was signed by the Blue Jackets as a free agent on Jan. 31, 2001 and made his NHL debut with the club against the Pittsburgh Penguins on Feb. 17, 2001. He went on to appear in 380 games with the club, registering 11 goals and 18 assists for 29 points with 1,025 penalty minutes. He led the Blue Jackets in penalty minutes four times (2001-06) and owns the club record for penalty minutes in a season with 249 PIM in 2002-03. Through the 2018-19 campaign, Shelley sits second on the club’s all-time list in penalty minutes. He was also an active participant in the club’s community initiatives through the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation and received the team’s Community Service Award for the 2006-07 season.After leaving Columbus in January 2008, Shelley spent parts of three seasons with the San Jose Sharks. He then joined the New York Rangers during the 2009-10 season before spending his final three campaigns with the Philadelphia Flyers. He wrapped up his NHL career with 18-36-54 and 1,538 penalty minutes in 627 games. He also appeared in nine Stanley Cup Playoff games with San Jose and Philadelphia.Prior to turning professional, he spent three seasons with the Halifax Mooseheads of the Quebec Major Junior Hockey League. He tallied 48-50-98 and 933 penalty minutes in 181 games from 1994-97 and had his number 25 retired by the club. He began the 1997-98 season at Dalhousie University before making his pro debut with the American Hockey League’s Saint John Flames that same year. Shelley was born on February 7, 1976 in Thompson, Manitoba and raised in Yarmouth, Nova Scotia. He and his wife, Mandy, are the parents of a son, Owen, and daughter, Evelyn. The family resides in Powell.
JODY SHELLEY
blue jackets on fox sports ohio
Jeff Rimer is the play-by-play announcer for Columbus Blue Jackets hockey on FOX Sports Ohio and has enjoyed a broadcasting career that spans over four decades. He has spent the past 29 years calling play-by-play action on television for the Blue Jackets, Florida Panthers and Washington Capitals and called his 2,000th NHL game on Mar. 11, 2017 at Buffalo.The Toronto, Ontario native began his career with CFAC-Radio in Calgary and then spent over four years working for the Canadian Broadcast Company, including serving as the network’s gymnastics commentator during the 1976 Summer Olympic Games in Montreal. He also served as the sports director at CFCF-Radio in Montreal for eight years during which time he hosted Montreal Canadiens pre- and post-game shows.Rimer moved to the Baltimore-area in 1984 as game host for the Capitals on Home Team Sports (HTS) and WDCA-TV and took over play-by-play duties in 1990. He also served as the sports director at WBAL-Radio in Baltimore, hosting pre- and post-game shows for Orioles baseball, co-hosted syndicated college basketball shows with Billy Packer and Maryland Head Coach Gary Williams and was a sideline reporter for Maryland Terrapins football. He was awarded a regional Emmy Award for his play-by-play work and won a United Press International National Broadcasting Award for his work at WBAL. In 1993-94, Rimer was the play-by-play voice of the Capitals and the expansion Florida Panthers before taking over full-time in Florida the following season. He would spend 11 seasons with the Panthers before joining the Blue Jackets and FOX Sports Ohio prior to the 2005-06 campaign. Rimer and his wife, Ferrel, are the parents of son, Josh, and daughter, Kylie. The couple has three grandchildren.
Television play-by-play
Jeff rimer
FOX Sports Ohio has been the television home of Blue Jackets hockey since the inaugural 2000-01 season and its Emmy-winning coverage will feature 80 regular season games during the 2019-20 season. The FOX Sports Ohio/Blue Jackets broadcast team features play-by-play announcer Jeff Rimer, color analyst Jody Shelley, contributor and host Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre, host Brian Giesenschlag and rink side reporter Dave Maetzold. FOX Sports Ohio brings the excitement of the NHL to over 5.2 million homes across Ohio, as well as parts of Kentucky and West Virginia. The network will air 39 home games and 41 away contests during the 2019-20 campaign with NBC Sports Network set to televise the November 27th encounter against the Philadelphia Flyers and February 10 contest against the Tampa Bay Lightning live to a national audience from Nationwide Arena.Throughout the season, live game night coverage on FOX Sports Ohio begins with Blue Jackets Live, a 30-minute pre-game show featuring highlights, player interviews and analysis. Coverage continues after the game with the post-game edition of Blue Jackets Live, presented by IGS Energy. The pre- and post-game shows will be hosted by Brian Giesenschlag and former CBJ defenseman Jean-Luc Grand-Pierre.
El Dorado GAMING scioto downs blue jackets radio network
BOB McELLIGOTT
Bob McElligott joined the Columbus Blue Jackets broadcast team as radio broadcaster in August of 2009 and assumed play-by-play duties prior to the 2013-14 season. In addition to describing the action of all 82 regular season games, as well as playoff contests, Bob hosts #CBJin30, a podcast that airs throughout the season. The podcast can be found at bluejackets.com, the CBJ mobile app, iTunes, Google Play and Soundcloud. McElligott also teams up with TV color analyst Jody Shelley to bring you The Inside Edge at 7:00 p.m. Wednesday nights on 97.1 The Fan, flagship station of the Blue Jackets Radio Network. He also hosts features on Jackets TV, available at bluejackets.com and the CBJ mobile app.Before moving to Columbus, McElligott spent ten seasons serving as the broadcaster for the Syracuse Crunch, the Blue Jackets’ American Hockey League affiliate at the time. In addition to calling the action on radio and television for the Crunch, he produced a regular Crunch feature for the Blue Jackets Radio Network and called play-by-play action during several Blue Jackets games as a fill in.Beyond his work with the AHL club, the Somerset, Pennsylvania native has been the radio and television voice of the Syracuse Chiefs of the International Baseball League. McElligott has called football, basketball, hockey and lacrosse at both the collegiate and high school levels for Spectrum and ESPN3.com. He has also hosted talk shows and provided morning and afternoon sports updates at WSYR in Syracuse. McElligott began his career in professional sports as the mascot for the Johnstown (PA) Chiefs of the ECHL. He later served as the radio voice of the team. McElligott has also called Single-A baseball in Kinston (NC), Wilmington (DE), Prince William (VA) and Salem (VA), all members of the Carolina League.Outside of the Blue Jackets, McElligott helps as a consultant to students in the video production program at Bishop Hartley High School. He also works with students on internet broadcasts of Hartley football and baseball games. He and his wife, Kathy, are the parents of sons, Matthew and Braden.
nationwide arena
In addition to being known as home of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nationwide Arena is also the destination of choice by many of the nation’s top-grossing touring acts. From U2 to The Rolling Stones, Eric Clapton to Foo Fighters and Taylor Swift to Billy Joel and Elton John, Nationwide Arena has hosted the world’s best entertainers since opening its doors in September 2000.Last season’s concert schedule included a wide range of world-renowned acts like rock legends Phil Collins, Bob Seger and KISS; pop icons Cher and Justin Timberlake; and two electric sold-out shows from hometown favorites Twenty One Pilots. In addition to these incredible concerts and the fast-paced action of the NHL, Nationwide Arena also hosts a wide variety of special events that include but are not limited to WWE, Cirque de Soleil, and Disney on Ice. In March 2019, the arena welcomed the First and Second Rounds of the NCAA Division I Men’s Basketball Tournament. The Arena Football League also returned in 2019, with the Columbus Destroyers re-establishing their place in the AFL. High school hockey action is also another annual staple at Nationwide Arena as the Ohio High School Athletic Association (OHSAA) state ice hockey championships will be played in March for the 18th consecutive year.As a multipurpose sports and entertainment venue, Nationwide Arena holds the distinction as the first NHL building to have the team’s practice facility attached to the arena where the team plays its games. In addition to serving as the Blue Jackets official practice facility, the OhioHealth Ice Haus also offers hockey, public skating and is available for private rental. The OhioHealth Ice Haus serves as home of the AAA Ohio Blue Jackets hockey program and several central Ohio high school teams.Nationwide Arena is the centerpiece of the Arena District, a 75-acre dynamic, mixed-use development located in the heart of downtown Columbus. This entertainment district features a variety of restaurants, premier office space, exciting entertainment venues, residential space and acres of parks and green space.Together, the Arena District and Nationwide Arena provide a very inviting business and entertainment destination attracting residents, tenants and visitors from across the country. With its reputation as a “must play” venue for top touring acts, quality family entertainment and specialty sporting events, Nationwide Arena attracts an average of more than one million guests annually.For more information on upcoming events, concerts, conventions and more hosted by Nationwide Arena, visit NationwideArena.com, “like” us at Facebook.com/NationwideArenaColumbus, or follow along on Twitter (@NationwideArena) and Instagram (@NationwideArena).
pro Teams & stinger
STINGEROne of hockey’s most recognizable mascots, Stinger has been entertaining fans in Ohio’s capital city since July 1999. Fans can book the city’s busiest bug to drop by their seat during a Blue Jackets home game to celebrate a birthday, anniversary or any special occasion. A variety of packages are available and all the proceeds benefit the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation.Add a little BUZZ to your upcoming event with a visit from the Blue Jackets mascot Stinger. Each season, Stinger makes over 350 public appearances at various corporate, private and non-profit events. Any organizations interested in securing a representative from the Blue Jackets can do so by completing the form below at least 6 weeks prior to their upcoming event. Once submitted, the Blue Jackets will process the request, attempting to identify the representative that best fits the request. Organizations will be notified either way. To schedule an appearance or visit from Stinger, visit
Stinger
BlueJackets.com/BookStinger
FOX SPORTS OHIO BLUE LINE
200 W. Nationwide Blvd. Columbus, Ohio 43215 (614) 246-3200
Nationwide Arena
FOX SPORTS OHIO BLUE LINE LOCATIONS
1500 Polaris Parkway Columbus, Ohio 43240
Polaris Fashion Place
7001 Dublin Park Drive Dublin, Ohio 43016
The Mall at Tuttle Crossing
Blue Jackets fans looking for the latest team merchandise can find it all at the FOX Sports Ohio Blue Line, the official team store of the Blue Jackets. Fans can shop for jerseys, hats, t-shirts, fleece, outerwear and much more, including official team performance apparel by adidas and Fanatics and special Blue Jackets and 5th Line offerings from Where I’m From. The FOX Sports Ohio Blue Line has something for everyone, including jersey personalization with any name and number, as well as exclusive apparel, novelties and collector’s series items.
community
Thank you for supporting our team and our causes. We couldn’t do it without you.
For more information about the Blue Jackets Foundation visit BlueJackets.com/foundation.
In addition to keeping kids healthy through fitness, the Foundation is committed to their health and wellness through reading. In a partnership with Community Shelter Board and other local organizations, the Foundation provides books and educational resources to children in need. The Foundation also provides support for the Columbus Metropolitan Library’s Yellow Apron Program to provide reading buddies for children visiting the library.
In October 2019, the Foundation announced a total of $1 million awarded to local charitable and youth hockey organizations for its most recent grant cycle. It was the fourth consecutive year that the Foundation hit or surpassed the $1 million mark. Since its inception in 2000, the Foundation has awarded over $11.4 million to various nonprofit organizations throughout central Ohio.
My father always told me, if you're good to the game, the game will be good to you. Inside these pages, we'd like to share how the game has been good to our community.
The Columbus Blue Jackets organization and the Blue Jackets Foundation dedicate time, resources, and financial support to organizations making a difference in the areas of pediatric cancer, reading, fitness through play, and the growth and development of amateur hockey.
The COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS AND CBJ FOUNDATION ARE dedicated to the health and wellness of children in central Ohio.
Nick Foligno Captain, Columbus Blue Jackets Blue Jackets Community MVP (2015, 2017, 2019)
FIGHT AGAINST PEDIATRIC CANCEr
Through a variety of fundraisers, the team and Foundation have raised over $2.75 million to help fund programs at local organizations supporting pediatric cancer patients and their families. The Foundation also works to ease the stress on pediatric cancer families by hosting them at games, providing opportunities to interact with players, and funding summer camps.
Each year, the Foundation and Nationwide Children’s Hospital team up to distribute Blue Jackets-branded bike helmets to area youth visiting the hospital as a result of head traumas or as a preventive measure. The Foundation also supports playground building in an effort to provide children with safe places to exercise and interact.
HEALTH & SAFETY
With the help of Blue Jackets players, the Foundation has helped support youth hockey teams through sponsorships and clinics. Since 1995, the number of registered youth hockey players in the Columbus area has increased from 150 to over 3,600. In addition, through partnerships with Columbus Ice Hockey Club and YMCA, kids have the opportunity to learn street hockey through the Foundation’s Skills & Drills program.
GROWTH & DEVELOPMENT OF AMATEUR HOCKEY
READING
community
Scholarships
The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation annually awards two scholarships of $10,000 each. These gifts are for students who show exceptional qualities both on and off the ice.
teaching our youth
community
columbus blue jackets foundation family resource center
This 5,000-square-foot space offers families at the hospital amenities such as a lounge with a play area, laundry facilities, a clinical education classroom, computers and complimentary services including haircuts and massage therapy.
championing care
ronald mcdonald house charities
When pediatric patients need an overnight stay, it’s not always easy or affordable for parents to use a hotel. The Ronald McDonald House Charities offer a place they can stay for free.
community
growing the game
columbus ice hockey club
This program, which is part of the NHL’s “Hockey is for Everyone” initiative, provides opportunities for underserved kids to learn to skate and play hockey.
community
Nationwide Children’s Hospital Visit
Blue Jackets players, team personalities and Stinger often give time, attention and CBJ Courage Kits presented by Boich Companies on special visits with hospitalized kids.
presented by Kroger
marching with our community
CBJ forward #13 Cam Atkinson, who co-founded Force Network Fund to support military members and first responders, donated $1,013 to The USO of Central & Southern Ohio.
Player Day of Service
Last year, our players gave back to the local community with an afternoon of volunteer work at Mid-Ohio Foodbank.
Atkinson’s Support for the Military
The Blue Jackets supported the annual Big 10TV Toy Drive to collect toys for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Cheer program, which makes holiday gifts possible for families in need. In addition to an in-game toy collection, our CBJ staff and Lady Jackets volunteered at the Christmas Cheer toy distribution.
Salvation Army Toy Drive/Christmas Cheer
community
ohiohealth ice haus
One outstanding feature that sets Nationwide Arena apart as a premier sports and entertainment facility is the OhioHealth Ice Haus, the club’s official practice rink attached to the main arena. The Blue Jackets hold the distinction of being the first team in the National Hockey League to have its practice rink located at the same location where it plays its games. This unique configuration has since been used as a model for new NHL buildings. The OhioHealth Ice Haus is a 63,000-square foot facility located on the west side of Nationwide Arena. It contains four separate team locker rooms and one officials’ room. As the practice home of the Blue Jackets and the official home rink of the Ohio Junior Blue Jackets Tier 1 AAA hockey program and several Central Ohio high school teams, the OhioHealth Ice Haus features fixed seating for 750 people and an overall capacity of 1,500. In addition, the facility is also used for youth hockey, figure skating, public skating and private rentals. During Blue Jackets games, fans may check out the action within the OhioHealth Ice Haus from the open viewing areas located on the main concourse and inside the arena’s pub. In addition to the OhioHealth Ice Haus in downtown Columbus, other facilities within the family of OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks include three suburban locations that each feature dual rinks – OhioHealth Chiller Dublin, OhioHealth Chiller Easton, and OhioHealth Chiller North. Outside of central Ohio, the Chiller Ice Rinks group operates NTPRD (National Trail Parks and Recreation District) Chiller in Springfield, Ohio, as well.With demand for ice at unprecedented levels in Central Ohio, a third sheet of ice was recently opened at Chiller North. This expansion adds one regulation National Hockey League rink, four public locker rooms with shower facilities, as well as two larger private locker rooms that can serve as home base for area high school or travel hockey teams. The additional sheet of ice will provide approximately 80 weekly hours for high demand programming at the facility.
For additional information on any of the rinks, visit
www.thechiller.com.
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ad Directory
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The 2019-20 Columbus Blue Jackets Yearbook is an official publication of the Columbus Blue Jackets. ©2019 Columbus Blue Jackets. All rights reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part without written permission from the Columbus Blue Jackets is expressly prohibited.
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