For The
Next
Generation
+Children
learned the fundamentals of hockey through our no or low-cost hockey programs
$+Invested
in the growth of youth hockey
Get Out And Learn presented by Safelite
This grassroots initiative invites first-time participants (ages 5 to 9) to try hockey for free. Designed for boys and girls who have no formal hockey experience or training, these 30-minute hockey clinics are intended to remove barriers of entry to the sport. Each participant receives a free T-shirt or jersey and stick!
free clinics
reaching 1,575 first-time players
Learn To Play presented by Performance Columbus, in association with Moo Moo Express Car Wash
In collaboration with the OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rinks, we have simplified the hockey development pathway for boys and girls ages 10 and under. Learn to Play aims to deliver a positive experience with age-appropriate instruction and certified coaching, led by former Blue Jackets player Andrew Cassels.
sets
of equipment were provided at no cost to families
Hockey Is For Everyone
The Columbus Blue Jackets are committed to inclusion and breaking down barriers of entry to hockey. This past year, on our annual Hockey Is For Everyone Night presented by Vorys, we shared the story of the Ice Eagles team, a blind hockey program offered through the Columbus Ice Hockey Club and Columbus Recreation and Parks. Programs like this give individuals with varying degrees of sight issues the chance to get on the ice and play the sport they love.
+families
supported through CCYHA Special Hockey providing hockey programming for individuals with development disabilities
+athletes
supported through Ohio Sled Hockey to provide specialized equipment
Growth of Girls Hockey
We’ve seen 11% year-over-year growth in participation within girls hockey programs supported by the Blue Jackets. A significant factor in this growth has been the addition of the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets Under-14 Girls team. The program was re-started this season in an effort to expand opportunities for central Ohio girls to play the sport at a high level close to home.
Power Play Challenge presented by OhioHealth
Our hockey-themed wellness curriculum is designed to combat childhood obesity by incorporating street hockey and incentive-based fitness challenges in physical education classes. The program, intended for students in grades 2-5, is offered free of charge to elementary schools. Students also take part in a STEM-focused field trip to an OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rink.
+students
representing 167 schools participated
Street Hockey in the Community
Over the past 20 years, Blue Jackets “sticks in hands” programs have provided children in central Ohio greater access to hockey while developing the important life skills of teamwork, respect and responsibility. Through a comprehensive approach with community partners, we provide equipment donation, staff training, curriculum development, free clinics and more. All kids need to play are a pair of sneakers! This year, in an effort to remove barriers to the game and make hockey more accessible, a street hockey rink funded by the CBJ Foundation was officially opened in the city of Whitehall.
High School Hockey
Since the Blue Jackets' inception, the club has been committed to the growth of high school hockey in central Ohio. Thanks to the support of OhioHealth, this commitment is exhibited in many ways, including the Hall of Hockey jersey display at Nationwide arena and the Blue Jackets Cup, an end of season tournament for local school teams. Additionally, each season the Blue Jackets invite high school seniors to join the team on the ice for a recognition ceremony, and Nationwide Arena hosts the Ohio Hockey Scholastic Athletic Association state ice hockey championships.
Additional Partners Supported
