Insight

New On the Ice

The Columbus Blue Jackets kick off their tenth season with new coaches, new players and a few new tricks up their sleeves

By Jon Theiss

With a brand new head coach and three new assistant coaches, the “new guard” leading the Columbus Blue Jackets is ready to take to the ice in an effort to elevate their rank in the National Hockey League (NHL). The coaching staff, all of whom have played and coached in various capacities in the pros, bring years of experience to the organization. But, the new staff is only part of the new blood on the team. A slate of new players, new ideas, new promotions and a new event schedule are all just over the horizon for the Jackets, in a historic tenth season.

“For us it’s a really important milestone that gives us the opportunity to elaborate on what’s been happening here for the last ten years and to show our appreciation for all the people who have helped make it happen,” says Executive Vice President of Operations Larry Hoepfner. “It’s certainly not business as usual. We’ve taken this as an opportunity to step back and take a fresh look at everything we do here.”

Changes in 2010

So what does the team have in store for fans? Well, in addition to the completely new coaching staff behind the bench and the new players on the team itself, there’s also the brand new look for the team, coming in the form of a very special third jersey design. The other jerseys, used for home and away games, will not change – but the new third jersey, currently under review by the NHL, will be reserved for special occasion game nights. After the league approves both the jersey and the nights it will be worn (they reserve the right to veto any changes to team design and apparel), the CBJ plans to formally release the design to the public and place it in stores.

Carrying the Flag

As a special nod to longtime fans of the franchise, the Jackets will also host “alumni nights,” when former players will return to the arena for autograph signings, special ceremonies and traditional events like tossing the first puck onto the ice. The lineup has not yet been released, but Hoepfner says he’s asking season-ticket holders for their input as to who they would most like to see return to their former home-base.

“We’re really trying to solicit as much input from our fans as possible,” he adds. “Especially our season-ticket holders – we really listen to them. They’ve been giving us a lot of input and this year we’re really implementing a lot of those ideas.”

Former player Geoff Sanderson

The team has also partnered with the Ohio Historical Society to promote the “carry the flag,” motto of the team, based in Civil War history. “It’s got a lot of meaning behind it,” says Hoepfner, adding, “We adopted it because being a flag carrier in the Civil War was a really high honor, it was an honorable goal to bear the flag as a symbol of pride for your unit.”

Civil War Historian Mark Holbrook echoes the same sentiments. “To actually carry one of those flags was the highest honor a Civil War soldier could be given,” he writes, adding, “the flags represented all that the soldiers fought for.”

The original flag bearers from the Civil War

Even though the motto of the team is based in Ohio’s history, the team will actually cross the pond to play in Stockholm, Sweden for the first time on October 8th and 9th. In a league effort to elevate the sport to international acclaim, the Blue Jackets are hoping to beat the San Jose Sharks in two games that are not just exhibition matches – the games count as a home and an away game and will affect the team’s season record. Even when they’re in Sweden, the Jackets aren’t forgetting their fans. They’re offering special travel packages that include airfare, transportation, souvenirs, tickets to the game and VIP access to the players for a meet and greet during practice. “It’s something that we think is a really great chance for fans and the team. Going all the way to Stockholm, which I’m told is one of the most beautiful cities in Europe,” Hoepfner says.

Click here to win two free passes to watch the Blue Jackets take on St. Louis on Nov. 20!

Head Coach Scott Arniel

Coaching experience: Head Coach: Manitoba Moose(2006-10),
Assistant Coach: Buffalo Sabres (2003-06)
Past playing experience: Winnipeg Jets, Buffalo Sabres, Boston Bruins

Sometimes serious, mostly affable: Coach Arniel is ready to get down to business

Coach Knows Best

Most fans hope Scott Arniel’s years of experience on the ice and behind the bench will improve the team’s record and standings in the league. CityScene wanted to hear from the source.

On the coaching staff…

“Some guys have never really played in the league but are still great coaches. I’ve worked with a lot of them. But every team has different needs. (A coaching staff that has on-ice experience) sounds like what’s needed right now. We’ve played the game. Maybe that will help this young group play to their potential.”

On the players…

“Players in Columbus are a little more polished and a little more experienced. They compete in a really tough league. They already know what it’s like to prepare, practice and they know what it takes to be a professional athlete. They’re a good, young core of players that just

need to learn how to win, and how to find consistency from day to day. Success not just for one year but an extended period of time.”

On his coaching style…

“I’m an energetic, passionate coach. My people skills are a strong area, and when it comes to the actual on ice: I want a high tempo game. I want a lot of movement. I always say, ‘use your creativity and use your skill.’ I want them to use their talents and not limit the players.”

On being flexible…

“I do like a lot of structure, which comes through repetition and practice, but if my players or coaches think that there’s something we need to change, if we agree on changes that need to be made – we’ll make them. I’m not stubborn when it comes to things like that. I’m detailed, but I will say I’m not stuck in my ways.”