FEBRUARY 22, 2022

In-game recognitions celebrate diversity and inclusion in hockey

COLUMBUS, OHIO — The Columbus Blue Jackets will celebrate diversity and inclusion in the sport with Hockey Is For Everyone Night, presented by Vorys, when the Jackets host the New Jersey Devils on Tuesday, March 1 at 7 p.m. The evening will be highlighted by themed recognitions, fundraisers and a giveaway of a Hockey Is For Everyone lapel pin, courtesy of Vorys, to the first 10,000 fans in attendance. 

The Blue Jackets will highlight diversity among hockey participants with an on-ice, introduction of players representing a variety of programs including Ohio Sled Hockey (individuals with physical limitations),  Ohio Warriors Sled Hockey (veterans with physical limitations), Special Hockey (players with developmental disabilities), Columbus Ohio Gay Lesbian Ally Hockey Association (COGLAHA), Columbus Ice Hockey Club (Columbus Recreation & Parks program), girls’ hockey, adult hockey, high school hockey and youth hockey.

During intermission, Columbus Chill Youth Hockey Association (CCYHA) Special Hockey will take the ice. CCYHA partners with the American Special Hockey Association (ASHA) and USA Hockey to provide children and adults who have developmental disabilities with the opportunity to play ice hockey in an environment adapted to each athlete’s level of physical and mental ability.

Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with each program on the concourse throughout the game. To learn more about Hockey Is For Everyone or purchase tickets, visit www.BlueJackets.com/HIFENight.

Twin sisters, Ebony and Essence Wyse, who play for the Olentangy High School hockey team will be featured during the game. The 17-year-old, multi-sport athletes are dedicated to making the sport of hockey a welcoming and diverse place for women and people of color.

For the Wyse siblings, it is an honor to participate in the evening.

“To be featured during Hockey is for Everyone is awesome and an honor. Hockey Is For Everyone means growing, diversifying, and sharing the love of hockey,” said Ebony.

“It is very important to fight for equality in the ice hockey community.  I want girls and people of color to be able to have opportunities to help grow the game,” added Essence.

To celebrate female hockey players in our community, Vorys has made a $10,000 donation to the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets new Female Hockey team. This donation will help to reduce the barrier to all females wanting to grow in the sport of hockey.

In a continued effort to show support for inclusion in the sport, Pride Night is part of Hockey Is For Everyone with a special opportunity available for the LGBTQ+ community. Exclusive tickets for the Pride Night element include a CBJ Pride-themed bucket hat. VIP tickets are also available which include a special pre-game happy hour, opportunities to win fan experiences and autographed items, and much more. To purchase a Pride Night ticket, visit www.BlueJackets.com/pride.

Blue Jackets Hockey Is For Everyone ambassador Max Domi and teammates will use special rainbow-colored Pride Tape on their sticks during pregame warmups on Hockey Is For Everyone Night as a badge of support for the LGBTQ community. Select autographed Pride taped sticks will be available to bid on with proceeds benefitting the You Can Play Project and its efforts to promote safety and inclusion of all in sports – including LGBTQ athletes, coaches and fans. Fans can text CBJAUCTION to 76278 or visit www.cbjauction.givesmart.com to bid.

“It’s important for everyone to know that they are welcome in the game of hockey,” said Domi. “Whether you are a player, fan, coach, or another member of our hockey family, your love for the game is what brings us together.”  

Additionally, The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation will offer Hockey Is For Everyone-themed items to fans in an effort to raise funds in support the growth and development of amateur hockey. The auction will open at 9 a.m. on March 1 and close at the end of the 2nd intermission. Fans can text CBJAUCTION to 76278 or visit www.cbjauction.givesmart.com to bid.

A limited quantity of Hockey Is For Everyone pucks used during warmups will be on sale at the Blue Jackets Foundation kiosk located near sections 110-111 on the main concourse for $40 each.

The Foundation will also be raffling off autographed official warmup jerseys worn by the players on the ice prior to the game vs. the New Jersey Devils. The jersey raffle opens on Saturday, February 26 at 9 a.m. and will conclude at the end of the 2nd intermission of the CBJ home game on Tuesday, March 1. To purchase $10 raffle tickets, fans can text CBJAUCTION to 76278, visit cbjauction.givesmart.com, or purchase in-arena on February 27 and March 1.

The Foundation will host the 50/50 raffle, presented by KEMBA Financial Credit Union, with proceeds benefiting the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation and it’s support to the development of youth hockey and reducing barriers to the sport. The raffle will open at 9 a.m. and will close at the end of the 2nd intermission on March 1. The winner will be announced on March 1 during the 3rd period. To participate, fans can purchase raffle tickets at www.bluejackets.com/5050raffle. Age and location restrictions apply.

Learn more about Hockey Is For Everyone and see highlights from past nights at BlueJackets.com/HIFENight.

The Blue Jackets return to action tonight when they host Toronto at Nationwide Arena. Game time is 7 p.m. ET. The game will be televised live on Bally Sports Ohio with coverage beginning with the Blue Jackets Live pre-game show at 6:30 p.m. ET.  The game can also be heard on the Columbus Blue Jackets Radio Network, including flagship station 97.1 The Fan in Columbus, and online at bluejackets.com. 

Single game tickets for all home games played at Nationwide Arena during the 2021-22 season are on sale now.  Information on all ticketing options can be obtained by calling (800) NHL‐COLS or by visiting BlueJackets.com.

-CBJ-

COURTESY BLUE JACKETS COMMUNICATIONS