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.

9,000+

CHILDREN LEARNED HOCKEY FUNDAMENTALS

$1.4M+

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 ages 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!

Learn to play presented by performance columbus

IN ASSOCIATION WITH KROGER AND 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 delivers 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 Ohio Sled Hockey program, which provides individuals with physical disabilities the opportunity to compete, grow, and thrive through the sport of sled hockey.

During an on-ice recognition ceremony, athletes from both the junior and adult sled hockey teams were honored, and a $10,000 donation was presented to support equipment needs and help fund the junior team’s travel to the USA Hockey Disabled Hockey Festival.

Through partnerships with organizations like Ohio Sled Hockey, we remain committed to ensuring everyone has a place in the game.

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 65 female hockey players ages 6 to 14, an inspiring off-ice empowerment session from Ruling Our eXperiences, and a special appearance by Megan Bozek, a two-time Olympic Silver Medalist for Team USA in 2014 and 2022.

Learn More

Growth of Girls Hockey

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

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.

Blue Jackets Hockey League, presented by Tim Hortons in association with Pedialyte and Feazel

The Blue Jackets Hockey League is the cornerstone of youth hockey in Columbus! Serving nearly 2,000 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.

54,000+ students representing 185 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!

“

Being part of the Blue Jackets Power Play Challenge makes my students feel like they belong to something bigger. They love the equipment, the lessons, and the connection to the team — and some are now playing hockey outside of school because of it!

“

– Power Play Challenge Teacher

Street Hockey in the Community

For over two decades, 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 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.

Stadium Series Legacy Project

In collaboration with the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets proudly broke ground on a new outdoor hockey rink at the Liberty Powell YMCA. This legacy project, launched as part of the 2025 Stadium Series, aims to expand access to hockey for youth and families. The rink will provide a safe, welcoming space for players of all ages and skill levels to learn, play and grow.

CCYHA Special Hockey

80+ families impacted through the Foundation’s support of CCYHA Special Hockey, which provides inclusive hockey programming for individuals with developmental disabilities.