The Columbus Blue Jackets are bringing back a fan-favorite this spring with the return of Skills & Drills, their youth street hockey program designed to introduce the fundamentals of the game in a fun, accessible way. Presented by PNC Bank and Energy Transfer, the program is open to kids ages 5 to 10 and offers a hands-on, low-cost introduction to hockey that focuses on both skill development and character building.
Whether it’s a child picking up a stick for the first time or a young player looking to sharpen their game, Skills & Drills meets them where they are. The program focuses on core hockey skills-stickhandling, passing, shooting, and basic gameplay-while also emphasizing values like teamwork, respect, and responsibility. It’s a blend of athletic instruction and personal development, delivered in a format that’s approachable for families and exciting for kids.
This year, the Blue Jackets are expanding the program’s reach by adding a third location. After opening a brand-new, ADA-accessible outdoor street hockey rink at the Liberty Township/Powell YMCA last summer, the team is now bringing Skills & Drills to that facility for the first time.
It’s a major step forward for youth hockey in Central Ohio, as the rink-developed in partnership with the YMCA of Central Ohio and the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation-is the first of its kind at any YMCA in the region. It’s not just about hockey; it’s about creating a space where kids and families can come together, play, and grow.
Returning locations include Sunny95 Park in Upper Arlington and John Bishop Park in Whitehall, two spots that have already helped lay the foundation for the program’s early success.
At just $60 per child for six weeks of instruction and gameplay, Skills & Drills continues the Blue Jackets’ mission to make hockey more accessible. That fee includes all necessary equipment: a Blue Jackets-branded stick and ball, gloves, a mesh pinnie, and even a ticket offer to a 2026-27 CBJ home game. It’s a full-circle experience-learn the game, play the game, then watch the pros do it live.
“We are thrilled to welcome back Skills & Drills for a second year,” said Tommy Trowell, the Blue Jackets’ Grassroots Hockey Manager. “Demand for street hockey programming in Central Ohio continues to rise, and we are excited to offer a third location to provide more opportunities for families to participate. Skills & Drills creates pathways, removes barriers, and is part of our continued mission to grow the game of hockey and make it more accessible for families.”
In a sport that can often be seen as expensive or hard to break into, Skills & Drills is changing the narrative. It’s about giving kids a chance to fall in love with the game, on their terms, in their neighborhoods, and at their pace.
For the Blue Jackets, this isn’t just a program-it’s a commitment to the future of the sport in Central Ohio. And judging by the momentum, that future is looking bright.