COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — The Columbus Blue Jackets will host their home opener Monday night at Nationwide Arena, marking the team’s 25th season. The Blue Jackets are coming off a win against the Minnesota Wild.
Columbus will face the New Jersey Devils in a matchup fans have been anticipating. The organization plans several special events in honor of the team’s milestone season.
“This community of fans has supported this team for 25 years,” Don Waddell, Blue Jackets president of hockey operations and general manager, said. “It’s been unbelievable, so for us to be able to kick off this year and give these fans something that they deserve, we’re really excited about it.”
Fans attending the game can participate in a 50/50 raffle with a jackpot starting at $25,000. Half of the jackpot will go to one winner, while the remaining proceeds benefit the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, supporting pediatric cancer, education and safety initiatives.
A plaza party will begin at 3:30 p.m. on Front Street, featuring games, prizes and a DJ. The event is open to the public, regardless of ticket status.
Last season, the Blue Jackets narrowly missed the Stanley Cup playoffs. This year, the team is setting its sights higher.
“It’s funny, they are one of the youngest teams in the league, but unlike other years when we talked about them being young, young meant inexperienced. This team is young, but now the younger players have two or three years of experience already under their belt,” Bob McElligott, the Blue Jackets’ radio play-by-play announcer, said. “So this is different. This is a young team that already knows how to play in the National Hockey League.”
McElligott said he is eager to see how the team performs Monday and believes the players are motivated for a strong season.
“I’ve already seen a determined group during training camp, I’ve seen a group that’s played hard in the first two games of the season, and I’m just looking forward to seeing them continue to grow as a group and continue to play for each other,” McElligott said. “And that’s a cliché we use all the time. This team really does it. They really like each other.”
Nationwide Arena doors open at 5:30 p.m. Fans are asked to be in their seats by 7 p.m. for individual player introductions.
