For The Next Generation

Since the team’s arrival and Foundation’s creation in 2000, we have worked tirelessly to grow the game we love. Our commitment to the development of youth hockey and reducing barriers to participation in our sport runs deep as we believe everyone deserves the opportunity to play.

13,800+

CHILDREN LEARNED HOCKEY FUNDAMENTALS

$1M+

INVESTED IN THE GROWTH OF YOUTH HOCKEY

Get out and learn presented by safelite

IN ASSOCIATION WITH APEX PROS

1,000+ Kids Gave Hockey A Try

This grassroots initiative welcomes kids aged 5 to 9 that are new to hockey to try it for free. Designed for boys and girls without any prior hockey experience or training, these clinics aim to make hockey more accessible. Every participant received a free t-shirt or jersey and a hockey stick!

“

The instructors were flexible and patient with the kids as each have different levels of experience on the ice and using a hockey stick. I loved that they showed the kids a safe way to fall before they even took them onto the ice.

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– GOAL Participant Parent

Learn to play presented by performance columbus

IN ASSOCIATION WITH MOO MOO EXPRESS CAR WASH

1,200+ sets of equipment were provided at no cost

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.

Hockey is for Everyone

The Columbus Blue Jackets are dedicated to promoting inclusion and breaking down barriers to participation in hockey. This past year at our annual Hockey Is For Everyone Game, presented by Vorys, we highlighted the inspiring journey of Ayodele Adeniye, a Columbus native who played for the Adrian College Men’s Ice Hockey Team that won the NCAA Division III Championship in 2022.

Ayo learned to play hockey through the Columbus Ice Hockey Club, which is one of the 26 official grassroots organizations involved in the Hockey Is For Everyone initiative across North America.

$100,000+ Invested in Rink Updates

This past season, through support of the CBJ Foundation, Columbus Recreation & Parks’ Krumm Park was able to refurbish their street hockey rink to provide kids a safe place to play.

young kids practicing hockey on a non-ice rink

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!

High School Hockey

Since the Blue Jackets’ inception, the organization has shown a strong commitment to the growth of high school hockey in central Ohio. This support comes to life in various ways with the generous support of OhioHealth, such as the Hall of Hockey jersey display at Nationwide Arena and the Blue Jackets Cup, an end-of-season tournament for local school teams. Each year, the Blue Jackets welcome high school seniors for a special on-ice recognition ceremony, and Nationwide Arena proudly hosts the Ohio High School Athletic Association state ice hockey championships.

a woman stands in front of a group of girls, flexing her biceps

Girls Hockey Day presented by Bread Financial

To celebrate the girls hockey community, the Columbus Blue Jackets hosted Girls Hockey Day, presented by Bread Financial. The event featured an exciting on-ice clinic at Nationwide Arena for 60 female hockey players aged 6 to 14, an inspiring off-ice empowerment session from Ruling Our eXperiences, and a special appearance by Brianne McLaughlin-Bittle, a two-time Olympic Silver Medalist from Team USA in 2010 and 2014.

a handful of kids in hockey uniforms, interacting on the ice

Growth of Girls Hockey

We’re excited to share that participation in girls hockey programs locally has grown by 10% year-over-year! A key contributor to this success has been the introduction of the AAA Blue Jackets girls’ development programs. With three all-girls teams now available, more girls have the chance to play the sport at a high level, in their own community.

a group of adults and kids cutting a ribbon, under a balloon arch

Recycle the Game presented by ADS

Through the Recycle the Game initiative, the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, with support of ADS, granted $25,000 to Leveling the Playing Field. This funding helped create five collection bins for sports equipment across central Ohio sports facilities. The donated gear will be given to programs and schools that support low-income communities, ensuring that all kids can experience the joy of playing sports and the mental and physical benefits that come with it. Additionally, the hockey equipment collected will contribute to the Blue Jackets’ annual equipment sale, where families can purchase hockey equipment at affordable prices. The proceeds from the sale are reinvested into the local youth hockey community.

3 girls in hockey uniforms on the ice, smiling

Blue Jackets Hockey League

The Blue Jackets Hockey League is the cornerstone of youth hockey in Columbus! Serving nearly 1,400 young athletes aged 5 to 14, this city-wide program welcomes both boys and girls. It offers a natural progression for participants from our Learn to Play program, ensuring continuity and growth in their hockey journey. The league is built on the principles of USA Hockey’s American Development Model and long-term athlete development, which strives to help each player reach their full potential.

57,450+ students representing 182 schools participated

Our hockey-themed wellness curriculum is designed to combat childhood obesity by incorporating street hockey with fun, incentive-driven fitness challenges in physical education classes. The program, intended for students in grades 2-5, is completely free for elementary schools. Additionally, students enjoyed an exciting STEM-focused field trip to an OhioHealth Chiller Ice Rink!

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The Challenge helps motivate students to work on their fitness. It ties in with state assessments. They are excited to participate with the Blue Jackets, especially when they get a stick in their hands as 4th graders. They can then play with all their friends.

“

– Power Play Challenge Teacher

70+ Families Impacted

Through the Foundation’s support of the CCYHA Special Hockey providing hockey programming for individuals with developmental disabilities.

A group of older kids in hockey uniforms

Two kids playing hockey on adaptive sleds

50+ Athletes Supported

Through Ohio Sled Hockey to provide specialized equipment.