Columbus has long been a city where hockey is on the rise, and the recent Blue Jackets Get Out And Learn! street hockey clinic at the Blackburn Community Center is a testament to that growth.
Officer Trent Everhart, who has been skating since fourth grade, joined forces with Columbus' police and fire divisions to introduce around 80 kids to the sport. Many of these young participants were picking up a hockey stick for the very first time.
"It's great," Everhart shared, his enthusiasm evident. "Columbus is truly becoming a hockey city.
Being able to introduce this sport to so many kids is fantastic. The Blue Jackets are doing incredible work here, and I'm thrilled to be part of it."
The event was a precursor to the Blue Jackets’ First Responders Night at Nationwide Arena, where Columbus will face San Jose. This initiative was part of the Center Without Walls (CWOW) program, which provides essential services like after-school programs and summer camps to children in areas lacking community centers or safe routes to them.
Alex Passas, from the Columbus Recreation and Parks Department, emphasized the importance of these experiences. "We're committed to offering first-time experiences that spark imagination.
For many kids, attending a professional sporting event is a dream. Introducing hockey in a non-traditional region adds a thrilling element of discovery."
The kids participated in the Blue Jackets’ GOAL program, designed to teach the basics of hockey through fun drills. With guidance from police, firefighters, and CBJ instructors, the kids learned how to hold a stick, pass, and shoot, leaving with their very own street hockey stick and ball.
Firefighter paramedic Kyle Sloan, who grew up playing hockey in Central Ohio, reflected on the event's impact. "It was a blast. Sharing a game you love with others is what it's all about."
The collaboration between the Blue Jackets and local community organizations showcases the power of partnership. "These collaborations are transformative," Passas noted.
"They break down barriers, build confidence, and ignite curiosity. By creating approachable interactions, we turn big institutions into real people with open doors, inspiring our youth and showing them the support and opportunities available throughout the city."