The Columbus Blue Jackets will celebrate the youngest members of The 5th Line with Kids Takeover Day, presented by Bob Evans, on Saturday, February 25 when the Jackets host the Edmonton Oilers at 12:30 p.m. The first 5,000 fans, age 13 and under, will receive a Stinger bobblehead.
Blue Jackets host Kids Takeover Day, presented by Bob Evans, February 25
The game will feature young fans integrated into various game-night positions. In place of Leo Welsh, 13-year-old Lila Urbanic (pictured right) will perform the National Anthem. Urbanic is part of the Blue Jackets Foundation's 2022 Class of Pediatric Cancer Heroes and was diagnosed with cancer at age 12. Urbanic rang her ceremonious treatment ending bell back in July. This is now her second time performing the Star-Spangled Banner, as she did so during Hockey Fights Cancer Night on November 15, 2022.
Another 2022 Class of Heroes member, eight-year-old Claire Cooper, will participate in the game as Kid Coach. Cooper has been diagnosed with Osteosarcoma, a bone cancer that begins in the cells that form bones, most often the legs.
Additionally, 12-year-old Oliver Jap and eight-year-old Alexandra Keifaber will join Mike Todd and serve as the game's In-Arena Hosts for the day. Joining Blue Jackets PA Announcer Greg Murray to deliver the game's starting lineups is nine-year-old Sahana Sadineni, and 14-year-old Luke Pavliga will take over the organ alongside Blue Jackets Organist, Nate Hollman. New this year, 7-year-old Henson Stephenson will join the Blue Jackets digital content team as the Kids Social Coordinator.
Kids will also take on various roles throughout the evening serving as referees, DJs, members of the Cannon Crew and more.
Fans of all ages can join in on the fun with activities throughout the concourse including face painting, balloon artists, dress like a jacket, and more. Attendees will also find Blue Jackets' mascot, Stinger, as well as mascots from around the state and NHL available for photos pre-game from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m.
During pregame warmups, Blue Jackets players will wear Kids Takeover jerseys that will be autographed and available via a raffle through the Blue Jackets Foundation. Fans can text CBJAUCTION to 76278 or visit cbjauction.givesmart.com to participate. In addition, a limited number of Kids Takeover Day pucks and "FOR THE NEXT GENERATION" t-shirts will be on sale at the Blue Jackets Foundation kiosk, located near sections 110-111 on the main concourse. A limited number of "NEXT GENERATION" youth-size t-shirts will also be available.
The Foundation will be hosting a 50/50 Raffle, presented by Kemba Financial Credit Union, to benefit Make-A-Wish Ohio, Kentucky, & Indiana. To participate, fans 18 years of age and older can purchase tickets throughout Nationwide Arena during the game or go to bluejackets.com/5050raffle. Fans must be within the Blue Jackets TV market to participate.
For more information on how to participate in the auction or jersey raffle, visit www.BlueJackets.com/kidstakeover or follow @CBJGIVESBACK on social media.
Families are encouraged to purchase the Dispatch Family Value Pack, presented by ABC 6 and FOX 28, which includes a ticket to the game, Chiller Skate Pass, and new this season, the choice of a value meal, featuring such items as a hot dog, hamburger, or chicken fingers with rotating sides of chips, popcorn or fries, and Pepsi products. To learn more, visit www.BlueJackets.com/family. Space is limited.
In recognition of the day, The Blue Line Team Store is offering 20 percent off all youth apparel at its Nationwide Arena and Polaris Fashion Place locations, as well as online at www.TheBlueLineOnline.com on Saturday.
The Blue Jackets return to action tonight when they host the Minnesota Wild. Game time from Nationwide Arena is 7 p.m. ET. Live coverage on Bally Sports Ohio begins with the Blue Jackets Live pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m. The game can also be heard on the Blue Jackets Radio Network, including 105.7 FM, and online at BlueJackets.com.
