Columbus Blue Jackets Tickets

One of the most in demand tickets in Columbus, Ohio is a chance to see the Columbus Blue Jackets show their strength on the ice. Columbus made its stake on the NHL when the Columbus Blue Jackets were formed in 1997 by Columbus Hockey Limited. The name was created as a patriotic homage to Ohio and the part of the backbone they provided throughout American history; specifically, during the Civil War when the contributions of Ohio to the Union Army and many of the uniforms worn by the Union soldiers were manufactured in Columbus.

The logo that adorns the teams uniform and on merchandising was based on an insect exemplifying the qualities of hard work and that highlight the spirit of the community that has embraced them. Former Florida Panthers coach Doug MacLean was brought on board as the general manager. In 1998, ground was for the Nationwide Arena, future home of the Blue Jackets. Since then, there is no better way to spend a fast paced afternoon or evening then having a ticket to see Blue Jackets work to make their mark on NHL history.

Columbus Blue Jackets debuted on October 7, 2000, against the Chicago Blackhawks. The first ever regular season goal was slapped in to extraordinary applause but the Blue Jackets lost with a 5-3 final score. Their first win was a 3-2 effort against the Calgary Flames less than a week later. The Blue Jackets finished their first season at the bottom of the Central division with a 28-39-9-6 record for 71 points. The young franchise had to go through a great loss within the community due to a tragic freak accident. A thirteen year old girl was struck by a deflected puck while at a home game at Nationwide Arena and died from complications two days later. She became the first fan fatality in the NHL's 85-year history and led to the implementation of 'protective nets' in all arenas the very next year. The team finished their second season dropping to a 22-47-8-5 record for 57 points.

2002 brought the Blue Jackets the highly touted London Knights star prospect, Rick Nash with their third overall pick in the NHL draft. Fans lined up for tickets to see this hopeful in the regular season with the chance that they may be have a chance to actually purchase a lucky ticket to the playoffs in their home town one day. Just eighteen year old, he stepped right into the NHL and more than held his own scoring 39 points in 74 games. The Blue Jackets had gotten off to a poor start and half way through the season found themselves in second-last place within the Western Conference. President and General Manager Doug MacLean took over the additional responsibility to be the team's interim coach. The Blue Jackets finished the regular season, once again out of the playoffs and last in their division with a 28-43-8-3 record for 67 points. About halfway through the 2003-04, Doug MacLean stepped aside and former assistant coach Gerrad Galant as the new man who would call the shots.

The Columbus Blue Jackets are a young team but they show a great deal of promise. There are far worse things to be done than to capture the magic of a live NHL hockey game. With a little luck, the regular season ticket may one day turn into a ticket to see the Blue Jackets bring home the Stanley Cup.

The organization signed up the Syracuse Crush of the American Hockey League as their minor league affiliate team. Rostislav Klesla was tfirst ever first draft pick. Later that summer they unveiled their coaching staff with former Calgary Flames and Team Canada coach Dave King named as the first head coach in team history. Newell Brown and Gerard Gallant were hired as assistants along with Rick Wamsley as goaltending coach.