CBJ reflect on Hockey is for Everyone Month

Throughout the month of February, the Blue Jackets celebrated diversity and inclusion within the sport of hockey at various on-ice and off-ice events to demonstrate the platform of hockey and life skills that transcend the sport.
The month kicked off with an intergenerational street hockey game at Worthington Christian Village Retirement Community. Preschool students joined senior citizens at a local retirement home where they participated in a skill clinic and a seated floor hockey game. The game was complete with the National Anthem sung by Leo Welsh, a cheering section, play-by-play commentary by Bill Davidge and coaching with former Blue Jackets players Jared Boll and RJ Umberger.
Blue Jackets Savard and Dubois made a visit to Ecole Kenwood French Immersion Elementary to speak to youngsters in their native French tongue demonstrating the importance of why the kids should learn another language and the doors that can open later in life.
On February 18, 60 girls (ages 6-14) participated in Girls Hockey Day at Nationwide Arena. The on-ice clinic focused on skill developments and small-area games with instruction from Lisa Chession, who won a silver medal as a member of Team USA at the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver and currently plays for the Buffalo Beauts of the National Women's Hockey League.
The puck dropped on Hockey Is For Everyone Night pres. by Vorys on February 23 with a full game-night featuring on-ice introduction of individuals representing a wide spectrum of leagues and programs; auction of rainbow colored Pride taped sticks and Pride-themed pucks used by players during pregame warmups; and several other recognitions.
The month wrapped up with over 2,500 students (grades 4-8) enjoying a field trip to Nationwide Arena where they learned about how STEM curriculum can apply to jobs in hockey.