For The
5th Line
+Volunteer Hours
by CBJ players, their significant others, and staff
+Community
organizations supported
Playground Dedication
Over the past six years, Blue Jackets players and staff have partnered with Columbus Recreation and Parks to build and install eight Blue Jackets-themed playgrounds throughout central Ohio. Mayor Andrew Ginther joined us at the dedication and ribbon-cutting at Driving Park Community Center where the final playground was built to celebrate the culmination of our $400,000 investment!
Overcoming the Odds
Our partnership with Nationwide Children’s Hospital goes beyond pediatric cancer. Through this relationship, the Blue Jackets were introduced to a devoted hockey fan, six-year-old Zavier Sexton. After a tragic accident, Zavier’s love for hockey inspired his physical therapists to implement hockey drills to assist in his recovery and rehabilitation.
Zavier was struck by a car in April 2022 and after several months of recovery and intense rehabilitation, was recognized prior the club’s home-opener and participated in the ceremonial puck drop. The Columbus Blue Jackets were awarded an Emmy at the 59th Annual Ohio Valley Regional Emmy Awards in the Human Interest/Military - Short Form or Long Form Content category for "One of a Kind: The Zavier Sexton Story”.
Community MVP
During #CBJGivesBack Night presented by Worthington Industries, the Foundation presented CBJ defenseman Zach Werenski with the 2022-23 Community MVP Award, which recognizes the player who best exemplifies service, dedication and leadership.
Werenski’s commitment to our team and community is strong and was on display through his Z-Suite as he hosted local families and groups at games, his support of the Salvation Army Christmas Cheer program, as well as The 5th Line’s support of the team’s annual toy drive. In recognition of winning the award, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation made a $5,000 donation in Zach’s name to Nationwide Children’s Hospital.
+toys collected
in support of the annual Big 10TV Toy Drive
individuals
hosted by Zach in the Z-Suite
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 took the main ice at Nationwide Arena for a private skate. Then, several former Blue Jackets players hosted military personnel and civilian employees from the base in a friendly scrimmage.
+tickets
donated to military veterans, personnel and their families
+items
collected to stock USO Support Lounges across Ohio that offer respite for military personnel and their families
CBJ Players Give Back
The Columbus Blue Jackets are committed to the Columbus community and are actively supporting causes they hold near and dear. From removing barriers to the game to supporting critical needs in our community, the Blue Jackets are dedicated to causes that help those in need.
First Responders Night presented by Jet’s Pizza
The Blue Jackets are committed to honoring the tireless effort of the incredible individuals in the community during First Responder Night. In recognition of his work both in the community and for raising awareness nationwide for first responders’ mental health issues, Officer James Poole with the Columbus Division of Police was recognized by Jet’s Pizza and the Columbus Blue Jackets, including Captain Boone Jenner.
Hockey For Her presented by Meyers Jewelers
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.
+women
participated in Hockey for Her
Player Day of Service presented by COTA
Staying true to the team’s spirit of giving back to the community, the Player Day of Service brings together Blue Jackets players for a good cause and highlights the team’s commitment to our city by helping others year-round. This year, the Blue Jackets helped build and paint new furniture for those in need at the Furniture Bank of Central Ohio.
Stinger Around Town
Our favorite mascot made the rounds in Ohio with 240+ appearances. Stinger’s charitable efforts raised over $25,000 for the Foundation last year through a variety of in-game deliveries and experiences.
