For The 5th Line

Every season, Blue Jackets players, team personalities, staff and fans invest their time, energy and compassion to assist those in need within our community. This culture of giving and support reflects the values of the Blue Jackets organization, establishes a strong connection between the team and our community and demonstrates how sports transcend the ice to uplift our communities.

4,700+

VOLUNTEER HOURS BY CBJ PLAYERS, THEIR SIGNIFICANT OTHERS AND STAFF

1,200+

ORGANIZATIONS SUPPORTED THROUGH IN-KIND DONATIONS

staff volunteer day

130 Staff Volunteer Hours

As part of the Blue Jackets’ Hockey Is Back campaign to kick off the start of the season, nearly 60 CBJ staff members came together on one day to volunteer 130 hours at seven dedicated organizations across central Ohio: A Kid Again, Big Brother Big Sisters of Central Ohio, Boy Scouts of America, Simon Kenton Council, Columbus Recreation and Parks, YMCA of Central Ohio, and YWCA Columbus.

YMCA Playground Dedication

The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation partnered with the Eldon & Elsie Ward YMCA to help bring a long-awaited vision to life: a brand-new playground to serve families who rely on the YMCA for safe, accessible spaces to learn, grow, and play.

The newly installed playground offers a vibrant, inclusive environment where kids can stay active and build friendships. With features designed for all age groups and abilities, the space is more than just a playground — it’s a reflection of CBJ’s commitment to supporting healthy, thriving communities throughout central Ohio.

Community MVP

During #CBJGivesBack Night, the Blue Jackets Foundation honored defenseman Zach Werenski with the 2024-25 Community MVP Award, marking the third consecutive year he’s received the award. This honor recognizes his exceptional service, dedication, and leadership.

900 Individuals attended Blue Jackets games as Zach’s guest

Werenski showcased his generosity this season by giving more than 900 individuals – many for the first time – the opportunity to take in an NHL game. An initiative he started during the 2022-23 season, Werenski hosted special groups during each home game in his dedicated suite, known as the Z-Suite. The unique experience was extended to kids battling life-threatening illnesses, military members and their families, young people from underserved communities as well as youth hockey players.

Military Appreciation Night,
Presented by Elk+Elk

We salute those who have served or are currently serving in the nation’s armed forces during our annual Military Appreciation Night. Before the game, families from Wright-Patterson Air Force Base were treated to a special private skating event on the main ice at Nationwide Arena. Then, several former Blue Jackets players hosted military personnel and civilian employees from the base in a friendly scrimmage. During each home game throughout the season, the Blue Jackets, in collaboration with Elk+Elk, honor and celebrate the men and women who serve our country through Military Salutes.

1,500+ Tickets Donated

To provide military veterans, active-duty personnel, and their families the opportunity to attend Blue Jackets games and honor their service to our country.

14 Air Force Enlistees

Fourteen enlistees took the oath of enlistment during Military Appreciation Night, marking the beginning of their service. We are proud to host this significant moment and to support the brave individuals who are stepping up to defend our nation.

The Great Bike Adventure

The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation partnered with the Central Midwest Regional Council of Carpenters and Franklinton Cycle Works to launch the Great Bike Adventure, an initiative aimed at empowering fifth-grade students at Avondale Elementary School. Through this program, students received bicycles, helmets, and comprehensive bike safety education, including traffic awareness and road rules. The experience culminated in a group ride through Battelle Darby Creek Metro Park, reinforcing the skills they learned. Blue Jackets defenseman Erik Gudbranson joined the bike fitting event, emphasizing the importance of cycling for independence and health.

First Responders Night, presented by Jet’s Pizza

The Blue Jackets proudly honor the dedication and bravery of front line responders during the team’s annual First Responders Night. This special event pays tribute to firefighters, police officers, EMTs, and other emergency personnel who protect our communities. This year, the team recognized the exceptional efforts of Ohio Task Force One and the Madison Township Fire Department for their vital hurricane relief work in Florida and North Carolina.

Hockey For Her, presented by Bread Financial

Hockey For Her is a series of events for our female fans that focus on the various aspects of the game of hockey. Throughout the season, the Blue Jackets offer multiple events providing participants with unique experiences and exclusive behind-the-scenes looks at the organization.

Player Day of Service

Honoring the team’s strong commitment to community, the annual Player Day of Service brings Blue Jackets players together off the ice for a good cause. This year, our players packaged food for local seniors through the Mid-Ohio Food Collective and painted and assembled furniture for individuals and families transitioning out of difficult circumstances at the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio.

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Stinger Around Town

Our favorite mascot made the rounds in Ohio with 200+ appearances. Stinger’s charitable efforts raised nearly $17,000+ for the Foundation last year through a variety of in-game experiences.

Girls Scouts Low Ropes Course

The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, in partnership with Columbia Gas of Ohio and The NiSource Charitable Foundation, proudly supported the opening of a new low ropes course at the Girl Scouts of Ohio’s Heartland Camp Ken-Jockety. Blue Jackets forward Cole Sillinger joined the Girl Scouts in celebrating this exciting new space, which offers girls across central and southeastern Ohio an engaging environment to build teamwork, problem-solving skills, confidence, and resilience.

Delaware State Park Playground

The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation proudly partnered with the Ohio State Parks Foundation to open a new inclusive playground at Delaware State Park. Supported by a $250,000 grant from the Foundation, the playground features sensory-friendly equipment, inclusive swings, and a climbable Stinger statue, along with ADA-compliant restrooms and pathways. The ribbon-cutting ceremony celebrated a welcoming space that promotes inclusivity, physical activity, and community connection for families throughout the region.