Blue Jackets Racket

End of an Error!

2010-01-25T13:51:00.001-08:00

Well 1 week left on the show and it was great. See ya next week for the end.

"The Cpt."

HOCKEY HOLIDAYS!!!!!!!!!!!!!

2009-12-21T09:48:00.000-08:00

Well I know I haven't posted allot but I wanted to say Hockey Holidays to all. Today is the holiday spectacular so listen in at 1

"The Captain"

A week in review and a special guest

2009-11-13T12:32:00.000-08:00

Well that's another week in the books. A dismal lost to Detroit, hopefully a win tonight against the Ducks more injuries and hitch yelling at the team(I was there). I hope you all liked this week and like I said Friday join us Wednesday for a live call in interview with Kris Russell. Email us at bluejackets.racket@gmail.com and let us know what you think.

"The Captain"

I forgot how to do this?

2009-11-04T17:53:00.000-08:00

Hey everyone out there, I kinda forgot about you guys. Then I was gently reminder by the boss. I hope everyone likes the show and we have had alot of changes latley. A new crew on Weds and Thurs, and a new direction on Mondays and Fridays.

I have been working on some special surprises too. Stay tuned and remeber to let us know what you think of the show. Email us at Bluejackets.racket@gmail.com or call on live days 614-333-5300. See ya soon.

"The Captian"

OPEENING NIGHT COMMING!!!!

2009-09-28T09:40:00.000-07:00

Well it's finaly here. Opening night is Thursday and it's about time!! The Jackets start off on Sat. but we here at the "Racket" are starting today. Come by and listen to our rantings on the pre-season and the opening week and on Tuesday it's a time warp as we do a 80's retro show with 80's stats and music!! Bluejackets Racket live Monday and Friday give us a call 614-333-5300 or check us out on facebook!

Go Jackets!!!!!

"The Captian"

New Week=prospect camp report and more PHOENIX NEWS!!!!!!(c'mon allready)

2009-09-08T07:01:00.000-07:00

Well it's Tuesday and a new week begins for the Bluejackets Racket team. As I write this I think back at all the days I did the show by myself and started to get a complex, I would talk to my self and wonder if this is how crazy people start? Hey this is what I am doing now! Anyway, this week is weird due to the holiday here in the US and things being closed Monday. We will have a live/taped schedule that is little off, but will talk about Phoenix, Traverse City, Columbus and Canada. All of this and more on the "Racket". Thanks for listing and go Jackets!!!!

Team Canada wrap up and NHLPA in for changes.

2009-08-31T08:44:00.000-07:00

Well it's Monday again and here I am at the compy typing away. This week we are going to talk about Canada Olympic camp wrap-up and Paul Kelly from the NHLPA is fired. Check in and we will tell you why.
Hockey, banter and a Witty use of music, what more could you ask for.

Blue Jackets Racket At 1 pm (est).

"The Captain"

Olympic News

2009-08-24T09:25:00.000-07:00

A lot of Olympic news coming out of camps and we're going to talk about it today!

Also we shall be talking about Columbus's new ECHL affiliate.

Jerseys favorites shall be discussed, yours, ours, and someone elses'.

Of course we got some Jackets new comin' at ya.

So join us in Carrying the Flag (actually Kaela, who we made carry it because we're tired). Monday through Friday at 1pm, scoreonair.com.

Hey remember when I used to post weekly??

2009-08-17T07:36:00.000-07:00

Hey Racket faithful, been away from blogger a while and I am sorry. Back from the Left coast, rested and battle tested and ready for the season to start. We have been really working on the show during the off time and have maybe even secured some new help. Stay tuned for the same dumb stuff, the stats and some new talent (hopefully) as the season grows closer.

"The Captain" Dan Colley

New Shows and some recap stuff comming up

2009-07-27T09:09:00.000-07:00

Well we are going to do some new stuff and some shows on the recap of last year and this upcoming schedule. Stick with the Blue Jackets Racket though the slow part of the year and be rewarded with new and interesting shows in September! Promise!!

"The Captain"

Missing you

2009-07-22T18:11:00.000-07:00

Hey Blue Jacket Racket Faithful!! Sorry the show hasn't been too up to date lately. We had technical issues here and some staff changes to improve the show. We should have more shows coming up soon and live ones too. So until then Carry the Flag.

"The Captain"

2009-07-10T08:41:00.000-07:00

Be listening for the all new buckeye show everyday live at noon ,and I have a brand new opening for the show be looking forward to that next week.

Canada Olympic Camp invites and Free Agency

2009-07-02T09:23:00.000-07:00

Come join us for free agency talk and Team Canada's Olympic team invites at 1:00 on the Bluejackets Racket.

NHL news and beyond!!!

2009-06-24T09:15:00.000-07:00

Hey sorry about the taped shows lately but I am back and new live shows are too. Come carry the flag with me at 1 pm on the Scoreonair.com

Awards comming up and Nash's B-day!!

2009-06-17T08:10:00.001-07:00

Well hello CBJ fateful hope all is well with you out there in Internet land. This week we are/have spent time on the NHL awards in Las Vegas Thursday the 18th, which is my B-day(selfless plug). Which leads me into a HUGE birthday greeting to Rick Nash of our CBJ who celebrated his 25th birthday yesterday. Happy B-day Nasher(sorry I am a day late).

'Till next time still carrying the flag,

"The Captain" Dan Colley

The Cup gets lifted tonight!!!!

2009-06-12T09:36:00.000-07:00

We are preparing to see the cup lifted tonight in Detroit. Come and join us and listen to me ramble about it on the Blue Jackets Racket on Scoreonair.com

The Thursday Show

2009-06-11T09:39:00.001-07:00

Comming up on todays show we talk about the CUP and news from around the leauge. Check us out at 1 pm and Carry the Flag!!!!

The Thursday Show

2009-06-11T09:39:00.000-07:00

Today's show

2009-06-10T09:51:00.000-07:00

Todays show features game 6 recap and preview of game 7 as well we will carry the flag around the nhl and beyond.

The Big Tuesday Show!!!!!!

2009-06-09T08:27:00.000-07:00

This is the "Captain" calling all Blue Jacket fans out there, contact me on our site Scoreonair.com or email me at Bluejackets.Racket@gmail.com.............Listen to the new show at 1 today and help me carry the flag.......this thing is getting heavy!

NEW CBJ RACKET SHOWS COMMING MONDAY!!!!!!

2009-06-04T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hello to those that continue to carry the flag! This is "The Captain" Dan Colley and I am proud to announce that I will be hosting new Bluejacket Racket shows starting this Monday!!!!!!!!

Stay tuned for all the hockey news from around the world and of course YOUR CBJ.

Still carrying the flag,

"The Captain"

We Are On..

2009-05-11T10:29:00.000-07:00

Hey everybody.. it's been a while but BJR is back on the air after taking a few days off due to me being a little under the weather.

Here's what you're going to be hearing this week....

NHL Playoff updates.... I'm going for the Caps but Adam says go Pens!

A CBJ Season recap is due too! I'm hoping to get that started on Wednesday! Then from here on out every Wed and Fri we will be covering/recapping the BEST CBJ Season in history on those days!!

Stay tuned! It should be fun and interesting....

So as always until we meet again

Peace, Love Rock & Roll and Hockey!!!

It Was Fun While It Lasted

2009-04-26T08:27:00.000-07:00

Well it's over. The Jackets had a great season! That last game... game 4 was the best game by far. Amazing sight in NWA as no one was sitting down the entire third period. I will never forget being there and being a part of history! I'm out of words right now but if you give me a few weeks I'll recap the BEST season in CBJ HISTORY ever....

Detroit.. Playoff Hockey.. Sweet.

2009-04-15T19:44:00.000-07:00

So the show today was a bit shorter than the norm but it's ok. For those of you who have been living under a rock for a couple of days... we the jackets play those evil red wings of Detroit tomorrow night in our first playoff game ever. It should be a fun game to watch and I can't wait because I am making the three hour trip to see the boys in person.

Adam will be your host tomorrow and I have all the faith in the world in him so tune in and listen for all your info for the CBJ-DET preview!

Let's Go Jackets~~ Take it to the wings!

Until we meet again

Peace, Love, Rock & Roll and Hockey!!!

Checking one two...

2009-04-14T11:45:00.001-07:00

Just checking in!

More blogs soon!!

We Are In!!!

2009-04-09T11:33:00.001-07:00

That's right CBJ fans... we are in the playoffs for the first time ever!! It was clinched last night in the 4-3 overtime win vs. the blackhawks. I'm so excited and can't even began to tell you how I feel about it.

Finally after 7 years of waiting..... it's our time. TAKE THAT haters of the world. NOW you can't say "We'll you've never made it to the playoffs" because now we have. How you like those apples?!

Ok well I'm off to enjoy St. Louis.... mini vacate.

Tune into the show on Monday... we'll have tons for your listening enjoyment!!

Peace, Love, Rock & Roll and Hockey!!

I really dislike the Blues...

2009-03-29T18:38:00.000-07:00

Yeah. I can't say that enough. I dislike the Blues.

WE HAVE TO BEAT NASHVILLE ON TUESDAY!!! Or we are done.

I don't even want to talk or think about it.

Ugh.

Death Threats made against Steve the Mason

2009-03-27T06:33:00.000-07:00

Typically during a game, I will follow Mark Wyant down to the locker room where he will interview a player immediately after the conclusion of the period. Jim Day does the same for Fox Sports Ohio. During the intermission, a police officer sits down next to us, assuring that no crazy fans or puck bunnies are able to get near us or the players in the locker room. I do not know the officers name because I am terrible with names (when Jess first appeared on the show, I wrote her name down so I wouldn't forget). But I had approached him because he looked tired and was about to fall asleep. A few minutes later, another officer approached him in an uncommon fashion and asked to speak with him in private. I didn't think much of it and they were still talking as Mark and I walked back up to the press level for the second period.

When we headed back down for the second period, another officer was down in his place. I naturally got worried about the first guy, because I was thinking maybe he got in trouble for something and was getting removed from the arena. What actually happened is that, according to the Columbus Dispatch, Peter Stenzel of Dublin started making threatening phone calls against our goalie, who was on his way to his franchise-record tenth shutout of the season. Of course, I didn't know this at the time, but I could definitely feel something was different.

Then as we headed down to the locker room at the conclusion of the game, I noticed probably seven Nationwide Arena employess checking our press passes to ensure that we were allowed to enter the bowels of the arena (as I call them). Typically there are all of three. I guess the NHL head of security was there as well. Now I was starting to get a tad bit nervous. When I left the locker room after getting all of my interviews, I saw the first cop in plain clothes. That made me feel better, because I knew that he was still there and on duty, but it became apparent that there was some sort of threat at Nationwide Arena, whether it be a bomb scare, or there was a registered child molester there, or whatever.

I guess they arrested the guy, who apparently is an avid Flames fan. First off, what a moron to call in a threat from his house. Hello? There is caller ID in the world! And second off, do you really think you are going to get anywhere near the 2009 Calder and Vezina trophy winner? NO! Ha, that guy deserve every bit of punishment he gets plus more. And you know what the ultimate irony would be? The Blue Jackets face the Flames in the first round of the playoffs, beat them, and then Steve Mason meets with the guy face to face in jail. Good times. Let's Go Jackets!

BK out!

"We Will Be In.. Don't Worry About That"

2009-03-25T15:14:00.000-07:00

http://bluejackets.nhl.com/team/app/?service=page&page=PodcastPlayer&pid=282&iid=13099

Listen to the last 15 seconds of it.... That's all I have to say.

We got a point in Tampa Bay...... and I guess that's the important part! Stopped by the R-Bar last night for the viewing party and it was rocking!! It really is the best place to watch the Jackets on the road!!! Good times had by all!!!

Tomorrow night it's the Flames..... We need this one guys!! Come on Hockey gods.... ( even know BK knocked you.. I STILL BELIEVE)

LET'S GO JACKETS!!!

Peace, Love, Rock & Roll and Hockey!!!!

Calling all Blue Jackets fans...

2009-03-22T21:04:00.000-07:00

I have decided that we need to have all fans of Blue Jackets Racket and as many people from Blue Jackets Racket to meet at the "R" bar for Tuesday's game against Tampa. There is no college basketball going on, the World Baseball Classic will be over, Ohio State spring football is still a little ways away. Come one, come all to the "R" Bar this Tuesday. I will definitely be there and I want to see that place get rocked out. It's supposed to be the official road-game Blue Jackets bar and I want to validate that claim with more Blue Jackets fans than they can handle. The game starts at 7:30 p.m. Be there by 7!

BK out!

Beast vs. East

2009-03-22T08:32:00.001-07:00

It's because of last nights game that I felt the need to post that pretty picture. He was
"Amasing" once again. He is now 12-1 vs the east!! The hero of the night however was one Mr. Torres! He rocked it for us and for that he gets a gold star in my book!! Two goals 73 seconds a part from each other... he beat VOOOOOOKOOOUN. One of the very few goaltenders in the league I trully dislike. (Another story for another blog)

Just before the fire hit.... I was thinking... well, we are one game closer to seeing Sam run naked across the ice and getting a lifetime ban.

Then the fire hit... and the Jackets rocked in the last two mins of the game. It was the best way to win the game I think. Oh and how can I forget VERMETTE BABY!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Oh yea! EN goal but none the less.... here's an awesome stat for you.. He had eight goals in 62 games with Ottawa; he has five in seven games with the Blue Jackets. Sometimes you just need a change.

Woo! 10 games left...... Keep Marching Jackets!! Tampa Bay is next..... come on great gods of hockey..... We still need you on our side. (Yes, Just like Nationwide) LOL!

Peace, Love, Rock & Roll and Hockey!!

Keep On Keeping On...

2009-03-22T08:21:00.000-07:00

Sorry for the shotty camera... it's giving me issues again. I HAD to get this on Video!

More thoughts...

2009-03-22T03:37:00.000-07:00

I just wanted to mention something shortly while I'm thinking of it. Bill Davidge said this last night and it was reaffirmed in my mind while reading the recap from the Dispatch. We are currently sitting at 82 points, three points ahead of Edmonton for the seven spot in the playoff standings and seven points of St. Louis, who is currently ninth. According to Aaron Portzline of the Dispatch, if we were to finish the season with winning half of our ten remaining games, St. Louis would have to go 9-1 to eclipse us for the final playoff spot. First off, how great of a note is that. We are so close, baby! I can almost taste the Stanley Cup Playoffs! It makes me excited, just thinking about it.

But here's the extra thought. Now that we are so close to wrapping up our first playoff spot, let's keep our focus ahead. Both Chicago and Vancouver are three points ahead of us. Thank you, Phoenix. Why can't we go for fourth? Ralph asked this question to me earlier in the week on the show, and I responded the same as I will now. Home-ice advantage. There is no question that the Blue Jackets would play better at NWA and I would much rather attend four playoff games, rather than three. Now that we've all but clinched, let's look ahead to what we can do from here on out.

LET'S GO JACKETS!!!

BK out!

What a finish!

2009-03-21T18:47:00.000-07:00

"We won the hockey game" is what Ken Hitchcock is saying to his guys right now. But holy crap, he was probably planning an execution of some of his players before Raffi Torres scored the game-tying goal with 2:46 left in the game. The Jackets did not play well before this and I will admit, I was resting my eyes, expecting to wake up with the final score Florida 1 - Columbus 0. But no, I heard Jeff Rimer scream Torres' name and I jumped up. FS Ohio showed the replay and what an effort by Kristian Huselius to pass the puck to Torres, who flicked the puck over Tomas Vokoun's right-hand glove. What a HUGE goal. I had twittered (BKlay) during the second period that if the Jackets were to get the tying goal, they would win...and sure enough...

73 seconds after his first goal, Torres scores again! Now it's 2-1 Jackets. What a flip-flop of emotions for Jackets fans and for the players and coaches themselves. As Raffi Torres was celebrating, he tried a big right fist pump and instead fell over to the ice. What a harassment Torres is going to get from his teammates from now on, but it will all be in love, because Torres saved the game. "This is exactly what Scott (Howson) said he is...Huselius made an unbelievable pass...I was really happy for him" That is what Hitchcock said during his post-game conference.

Antoine Vermette preserved the victory 14 seconds after the Torres goal. The goal came after Tomas Vokoun had vacated his net. The Jackets now have 82 points on the season (franchise record) and re-opened some space between them and the Oilers, who has snuck up to 79 points in the last few games. Again, what a huge win for the Blue Jackets. This is the second-most memorable come-from-behind victory that I have witnessed as a Blue Jacket fan, the last coming tw0 years ago on January 5, 2007 against the Anaheim Ducks when the Jackets came back from a 3-0 deficit. Rusty Klesla scored twice as well as Freddy Modin and Manny Malhotra with the four goals coming within 8:42 of each other. That was a clutch game as this one was as well.

One final note. As Jim Day said on Twitter (JimDayTV), "Let us not forget Steve Mason tonight, he allowed the team to stay within a goal without much help" How true, Jim Day. Even though the Panthers didn't get a shot on goal until 12 minutes into the first period, they at one point in the third, had more than the Jackets. Steve Mason kept the Blue Jackets in the game and allowed them to get those three goals to win the game. He now has 30 wins on the season...Calder anyone? Vezina anyone?

BK out!

"There Are Signs Everywhere"

2009-03-20T18:54:00.000-07:00

"You look lost, there are signs everywhere to help you find your way"

I think it's spreading........ CBJ FEVER!!! Catch it!!!

I'm loving it!!! GO Jackets..... Come On Hockey Gods.... We need these points this weekend, so keep on staying with us!!!!!

Peace, Love, Rock & Roll, and Hockey!!

The Sting Bug has a doughnut!

2009-03-19T19:01:00.001-07:00

Here it is.......

and it's kinda yummy too!! I LOVE that the city is finally excited over the Jackets! It's only took 9 years but hey....

It's time to get excited. It's time to Carry The Flag through the March to the playoffs!

LET'S GO JACKETS!!!!

Beating The City That Our President Is From!

2009-03-19T13:10:00.000-07:00

Chicago! Which in German Means “The Whales V….”.

Forgot this was a family blog! It felt good to get that win last night in Nationwide Arena (Or as BK would say "NWA"). But this is a picture I had of the crowd last night!....

The only reason he came is because he heard that Mohammed was going to be there! But Mohammed wasn’t even there. We are on the March to the Playoffs and NO ONE IS COMING! What do I need to do people? Do you want me to go on a hunger strike until we sell out again? Because I can’t even go more than 20min without eating something!

Come On People Lets Rise Up And Fill The Seats At Nationwide Arena Next Week!

This Has Been Another Post From The Penalty Box! I Also Would Like To Say Sorry To:

For Beating His Home Team!!!!

Go Jackets Carry The Flag To The Playoffs!!!!

What Do I Think About The Red Wings Loss!?

2009-03-15T20:20:00.001-07:00

Thats What I Think About It!!!

But You Cant Win Them All!!

I Will Continue To Carry The Flag No Matter What I Love This Team And I Love This City!

GO JACKETS!!!!

Meh!

2009-03-15T17:05:00.000-07:00

Losses aren't fun. Losses against Detroit are worse. Losses against Detroit in Nationwide Arena are worse still. And finally 4-0 losses against Detroit in Nationwide Arena are pretty much dreadful. That's pretty much how I feel right now. The feel was just never there during the entire game. When the first period closed to an end with the Jackets down 2-0, I made the comment to Sam that the two-goal deficit felt like a wide chasm. Boy, was I right.

The Jackets failed to piece together many scoring opportunities and when they had the puck, they seemed to treat it like a piece of frozen turkey. I didn't think that the effort was awful, per say. I felt that the legs looked fine and they looked like they were trying, but nothing was working.

One thing the Jackets definitely failed to do was dump the puck into the offensive zone, which has been their bread-and-butter (sorry for the cliche) since Hitchcock came to Columbus. For a while, as I was learning the sport of hockey, I questioned the sanity of dumping, but I fully realize the advantages now. As Jason Chimera said on the radio broadcast today, they were playing "an east-west game, rather than a north-south game". This was crucial because Detroit was able to stand up at the blue line and prevent the Jackets from getting any odd-man rushes, therefore limiting any good opportunities the Jackets may have had.

Steve Mason was, unfortunately, human again today. The first goal against Marian Hossa should never have happened. Mason had the pads stacked, but Hossa, guarded by Rusty Klesla, fired the puck between the pads to give the Red Wings the lead, ultimately being the game-winning goal.

I will give him props, however. He made a dandy glove save early in the first period that was pretty much one of the most beautiful saves he's made this season. Unfortunately, those were in short order today.

The defense was not good in front of Mason either. The fourth goal was evident of this. Johan Franzen scored as he went post-to-post on Mason with no pressure from the D. Franzen did a great job of bringing the puck around Mason's leg to pretty much finalize the outcome with ten minutes left in the game.

So now we move onto Wednesday's game against Chicago. The game is here at NWA, so that's good. The team will also have a couple of days to rest, as the schedule will start to relax a little bit in terms of how many games they will play in the few coming weeks remaining. I look for the Blue Jackets to completely dismiss this game as an aberration and come out strong against the Blackhawks. Here's hoping the fans do as well

BK out!

Random Thoughts

2009-03-14T15:04:00.000-07:00

Hey, it's BK again. I wanted to get my random thoughts in since I haven't been updating here for a little while. First off, Antoine Vermette is a man among boys. Through four games, he has totaled three goals and three assists. That is pretty good, especially since he only had nine goals and 19 assists for the Ottawa Senators through 62 games. He brings great speed to the ice, has been doing an amazing job at the faceoff, and like I said, has brought some offense as well. Vermette has been a fun person to watch on the ice and to top it off, he's an easy interview, which makes me as a media member like him that much more.

I again want to thank Mike Lange of the Pittsburgh Penguins radio network, Jakub Voracek, (who, according to Tom Reed of the Columbus Dispatch, screams Leo just like all of the other fans, for Leo Welsh, the official National Anthem singer for the Columbus Blue Jackets) #93 for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Ken Kal of the Detroit Red Wings radio network. I do not plan on stopping now. I am currently working on trying to get Ed Olczyk from NBC and the Chicago Blackhawks to call in either Tuesday or Wednesday. So that will be fun as well.

Also, one more random note...please keep Bill Davidge, color analyst for the Blue Jackets Radio Network, in your prayers as he had surgery again on his knee today. He will therefore not be in the radio booth tomorrow against the Red Wings. To compensate, Jason Chimera, #25 of the Columbus Blue Jackets and Mark Wyant will combine to give their analysis along our legendary George Matthews. That should be a real treat for all of you listening to the radio broadcast. Don't forget, the game is an early 5 p.m. game. The Red Wings will come out firing as the Jackets look to claim the season series (probably for the first time ever) and sweep the Red Wings in Nationwide Arena. Let's Go Jackets!

Stuck In This Little Room They Call “The Penalty Box"

2009-03-14T09:38:00.001-07:00

Well they let me leave the penalty box! BK and I went down to Nationwide Arena this week to interview Mr. Jakob Voracek.

I Will Post A Link To The Full Interview As Soon As I Get It Up And Running. Nice guy full of life, and enjoys living here in Columbus and grateful to be playing in the NHL!

On The Show This Week We Had Two Guests:

Legendary Pittsburgh Penguins Radio Broadcaster Mike Lange:

Had a lot of GREAT things to say about the Blue Jackets this guy was true class act! The one question I got in was "What kind of plane do the Penguins fly on?" Did Some Research And Here It Is!

This Is What The Blue Jackets Plane looks like:

Took that when I used to work where they fly out of, that thing was a pain in the @$$ to load! I HATED it when they flew out! But Here is a professional Picture:

Moving On To Sundays Game:
We had another radio broadcasting legend on our show from the Detroit Red Wings: Mr. Ken Kalczynski or Ken Kal he came on, on Friday!

Who explained to us the history behind the octopus being thrown on the ice? He also said that it is a "Great Time to Be a Blue Jackets Fan" and also that "We Travel Well!!!"

This has been a rather different kind of post from the Penalty Box! Until Next Time!!!!!

Don't Let Me Catch You out on the Ice or This Might Just happen To You!!!!!

Bruins, Penguins, and Blackhawks Oh My!

2009-03-14T09:16:00.000-07:00

What a great week of CBJ Hockey we had! Yes indeed!!! We beat them all! Bruins 2-0 shutout!! Mase's 9th shutout of the season... 27th win. He tied Pazzy record for shutouts and MD's old record of wins! MD was my man so it's fitting that my new man breaks his record. AND it was the day before my day of birth so what a great "pre birthday gift" it was! The game was super... the action didn't start until about the third peirod but hey we'll take it! The Pens game however... different story. I have to put this in here because it was such a great thing... Mark Wyant one of the broadcasters and host of the pre-post game show on the radio made a comment about all the pens fans as did Hitch. What Mark said was... CBJ Fans, if you can't come to the game or want to SELL your tickets for Sunday Please sell them to CBJ FANS and not Wings fans.... because too many Pens fans showed up for that game and out numbered us the CBJ FANS. Great GREAT comment! I guess I'm not the only one who is tried of all the other teams fans coming in and acting like JERKS to us THE HOME TEAMS FANS!!!! Hitch also said "Somebody let in these other people today with the funny-colored sweaters,"referring to the thousands of Penguins fans. "And it screwed the sound up." Another great, great comment. The Pens fans.... were aweful and everywhere. I mean it's one thing to come support your team.. but being a jerk about it is another. Just terrible... and when they started yelling "Mason, you suck" in HIS arena that's when I was ready to bust heads!!! He showed you how bad he sucked.... he stopped your wonder brats in the shootout and GOT THE WIN. Enough said. Plus he had great comments as well when it came to Malkin and Crosby.... after the game he was asked more then a few time about if there was an extra feeling of nevorousness when facing those two and he said "We're in the same league, so I don't look at them as any different players." YEAH!!!!! The actual game wasn't bad. It was full of excitiment and it was "a heavy game" but the post game comments ended up being the best part for me. We won the hockey game and at the end of the day that's all that really matters.

Then there was last night. Dubie's second start in goal as a CBJ player! Not gonna lie... don't have a lot of faith in him... but he came up big for us last night! Oh Antoine Vermette anyone?!!! YES!!! I'm soooo loving him right now!!! 2 goals 4 points in 5 games.... Leclaire who?! Nash got his second empty net goal of the week and we got the two big points! It was a big week for Nash.... it was one year ago the night of the Pittsburgh game that he was named captain so I think it's super that he got his 32rd and 33rd goals this week. Blackhawks game got me because I really didn't see us coming out with the W but hey.... I'm glad I was wrong!!

Next up.... those evil Wings for the north. Come on Hockey Gods.... stay on our side!!! The game tomorrow should be an entertaining one at best so! Looking forward to that!

Oh and I have to say a special Thank You to BK.... he had birthday wishes put on the scoreboard for me on Thrusday! It was really cool and unexpected!

Ok well back to baking I go. YES I bake. A hockey fan and a baker.. crazy I know!!!

Peace, Love, Rock & Roll and Hockey!!!

A retired goaltender still having fun...

2009-03-09T19:29:00.000-07:00

I went to practice today in the Dispatch Ice Haus and happened to see one of the goaltenders with a red goalie mask. Immediately, I assumed it was Wade Dubielewicz that had switched masks and now was going with the different color instead of blue. I was wrong, actually. I happened to notice shortly I texted Jess with this information that Dubielewicz was in fact at the other end of the ice, opposite of Steve Mason. I asked Jeff Rimer, play-by-play announcer of FS Ohio for the Blue Jackets, who it was and Jeff told me it was actually one of the goaltenders from Ohio State. I told Sam and he was excited, because he covers the Ohio State men's hockey team for 610 AM WTVN here in Columbus.

Come to find out instead that he was indeed an Ohio State goaltender, but a former one. He played for the Buckeyes from 2000-2004 and did fairly well. During his four years, he went 73-57-11 with three shutouts, a save percentage right around .900 and a GAA close to 2.60. He went on to play in the ECHL for three years. After this, he told me he decided to leave the game because he knew he would not make it to the NHL level. He is now currently studying at Ohio State with hopes of going back to Africa and helping people who are suffering from poverty. It was a great chance to talk to a young man who genuinely wants to help other people and was refreshing to see.

This was not his first time in pads against the Blue Jackets either. Betz told me he's done this before a few times, which I'm sure he enjoyed going against NHL talent and playing the game he still loves, even if it's for only a few minutes. Heck, he just watched for the first hour while Mason and Dubie took all of the drills in net. Then he finally got some time in Mason's net while the Blue Jackets players took slap shots at him and various wristers from close-range. Jared Boll seemed particulary effective against him, more so than some of the other players, and I thought that was interesting.

It was a great opportunity to talk to him and provided that I see him again or gather his contact information, I would like him to appear on the show or call in. I believe he would be a great person to spread his story and to tell people why he cares about people thousands of miles away.

I look forward to our show tomorrow at 1 p.m. If you're listening, feel free to call us at anytime. 614-333-5300. E-mail us at bluejacketsracket@yahoo.com

BK out!

8-2 WIN OVER DET!!!!!!!!

2009-03-07T18:53:00.000-08:00

AH!! We beat the living daylights out of the Wings!!! Nash got his 4th hat trick of his career three of those are over Det!!!!! Mason faced 40 plus shots and only TWO went in!!!! THIS IS WHY I'M A MASON FAN!!!!!!!!!!!!! And have been since the day I saw him in rookie camp two years ago.

Awesome, Awesome, Awesome game!!!! I can't even type I'm so excited!!!! Thank you Hockey Gods!!!! LET'S GO JACKETS!!!!!!

More later when my feet are touching the ground!!!!!

Come On Guys!!! Let's keep the Marching up!!!!! WOOOOOOO HOOO!!!

Peace, Love, Rock & Roll and Hockey!!!

"We won the hockey game"

2009-03-07T18:45:00.000-08:00

Wow, what a game from the Columbus Blue Jackets against the Detroit Red Wings. Where do I start? Here are some of the stats that stand out.

The Blue Jackets' six-goal margin of victory is the largest in franchise history.

The Blue Jackets' eight goals is a new franchise high in a game

This is the second time in a week that Detroit has given up 8 goals in a game (Feb 28 vs. NSH)

Rick Nash scores his fourth career hat trick, now tops in franchise history (Tyler Wright 3)

Three of four Rick Nash hat tricks have come against the Red Wings

All three of Rick Nash's goals were unassisted, the first time in franchise history a hat trick has been scored without the benefit of an assist

Nash, Manny Malhotra, Fedor Tyutin, and Jan Hejda were all +3 in the game

Steve Mason faced 46 shots on goal, the second most in his NHL career (48 SOG against - Dec 17 vs San Jose 2-1 OT Win)

Raffi Torres now has three goals in the past five games after scoring only three goals in his first thirty games this season

Antoine Vermette scores an assist in his first game as a Blue Jacket, playing 18:02

The Blue Jackets are now 8-0 this season when Andrew Murray scores a goal

What a game for the Columbus Blue Jackets. The fans showed up in Joe Louis Arena, which isn't exactly common. The Blue Jackets win the game, again, 8-2.

Steve Mason's job in net will completely get overshadowed in this victory and I'm pretty sure he won't mind that. After Aaron Portzline called out Ken Hitchcock in his blog before the game about holding Mason back from playing in this game, Mason returned to form as he had several significant stops during the game, most of the them coming in the second period when the game was still tight. Despite winning by six goals, Mason kept that prospect alive with his great pad saves. Steve Mason gets my third star of the game, just because of the obsessive scoring.

My second star of the game would be R.J. Umberger...he scored twice and assisted once. He has been a man among boys during the second half of the season and he has been a great pickup by General Manager Scott Howson

Obviously, my number one star would be EL CAPITAN. Rick Nash scores three times in the game. The first was on a short-handed breakaway. The second was right in front of the net as he picked up a turnover, stared at Chris Osgood for a couple of seconds and then fired the puck. The third goal came as he charged up the ice and was able to flick the puck in past Ty Conklin, who replaced Chris Osgood after the Murray goal. Rick Nash now has 31 goals in the season and it's the fourth time in his career that he has scored 30+ goals. And one more thing...Brian Rafaski is going to have nightmares tonight and Rick Nash is going to be the villain in all of them. Rafalski had the turnovers that directly influenced Nash's first two goals. And on Nash's third, Rafalski was the one that was challenging Nash on the forecheck.

Now allow me to talk about what this means for the average Blue Jackets fan. By the way, completely random note, the NHL website is SUCKING right now...Toronto must be burning right now because the ugly Jackets just did an amazing thing...anyway, back to this historic game. If you were to ask any Blue Jackets fan who their biggest rival is in the NHL, you would probably receive the answer "Detroit". Not that I'm disputing that, but generally in a rivalry, it needs to have both teams playing well and the game decisions to be generally half and half. Not so for the Blue Jackets - Red Wings games.

This game is a HUGE step for the organization to shred its horrible history in the league and show the NHL that they are finally ready to take that next step. Will that happen? Well, we still need to work hard. We have four very tough games coming up. Home against Boston, Pittsburgh and Detroit and road game against Chicago in the United Center. Hopefully the team will respond well to this great win and move on from this in the march to the playoffs. Go Jackets!

Argh.... this is WHY I hate Nashville

2009-03-05T19:40:00.000-08:00

We lost.... I saw it coming but held out hope. Jackets you gotta be better than this if you want to stay in the playoff race.

I still love Mase but Rinne won the battle of the rookie goaltenders. Ugh... I'm so mad about this game I can't even talk about it.

Regrouping time..... and Detroit next. I don't even want to think about that game.

So to all my fellow dejected CBJ fans.... Let's shake it off and pray to the hockey gods that Saturday is better.

Until we meet again...

Peace, Love, Rock & Roll and Hockey!

Pascal Leclaire traded

2009-03-04T09:36:00.000-08:00

Goaltender Pascal Leclaire has been traded to the Ottawa Senators as well as a 2009 second-round pick for Antoine Vermette. Leclaire, who was drafted eighth overall by the Blue Jackets in 2001, will get the opportunity to start in front Brian Elliot. It will be sad to see Leclaire go because he was a fun guy to interview and to be around. I saw him yesterday after the game and said hey to him as he was going into the locker room. It was the first time I had seen him at a Blue Jackets game in more than a month. Maybe he knew ahead of time that he was likely to get moved.

Antoine Vermette is a player who fits Hitchcock's style of hard skating and the ability to work with others, specifically Rick Nash. He is 26-years old, stands 6'0" and 199 pounds and shoots left. The last time Vermette missed a game was October 27, 2007, when he missed one game with back spasms. This year has not been the year for Vermette, who totals nine goals and 19 assists and a -12. Even those numbers do not stand out one bit, especially for someone who is supposed to be the number one center for the Blue Jackets. But think of when Jason Williams came from Atlanta. Williams now has 5 goals and 7 assists during his 21 games with Columbus. I expect Vermette to have a similar boost of numbers.

Overall, I like the trade. You remove a player who has a lot of history with injuries and you solidify a need at center. Good job, Mr. Howson.

Hossa, Fistcuffs, and Other Things

2009-03-03T19:48:00.001-08:00

First off, in a heavy note, Marian Hossa was carted off the ice today in the Red Wings game against the St. Louis Blues. In his first game back after missing two games with a stiff neck, he lost his standing on the ice and crashed hard into the boards. A scary moment for all hockey fans. Last I have heard so far, he never lost conciousness and he has feeling in all of his extremities. So I just thought I would share that first. It's never fun to see someone go down like that.

To the Blue Jackets game, though. It was a confusing game to watch because of the frequency of the goals scored. The Blue Jackets had a 3-1 lead early in the second period, but they gave up three goals in 1:55, the fastest time in franchise history an opposing team has scored three goals. Jiri Novotny would then tie the game near the end of the period to give the Jackets a little hope going into intermission that they could pull off the victory.

A little more than ten minutes into the period, Manny Malhotra would score his tenth of the season and second of the game to give the Jackets the lead and ultimately the game. The Blue Jackets needed the two points, and they now total 70 for the season, pulling them two closer to Vancouver and again giving them space between them and the "playoff bar".

Hopefully the obsessive scoring by the Blue Jackets will be a common theme through the final 18 games of the season after scoring only three times in the 3-game Western Canadian road trip. Coming up next is optional practice at noon and then the team flies out at 7:00 p.m. for Nashville. The game against the Predators will be on Thursday, followed by a game against the Red Wings on Saturday. These are two teams against conference opponents, but more importantly, divisional opponents who know you best and are looking for points themselves. It should be exciting to see where the Blue Jackets stand in five days time.

Check back here tomorrow as I will post my thoughts on the post-trade deadline. 3:00 is the magic time and I expect some moves to be made in the NHL. We will be on the computer constantly working to keep you updated. And of course, make sure you check out the show at 1:00 p.m.

BK out!

Playoffs?!?!

2009-03-02T18:31:00.000-08:00

Hello, again, everyone, it's BK from Blue Jackets Racket. Despite the loss to the Canucks, our boys still hold a spot in the playoff standings. As we have mentioned many times on the show, the Blue Jackets have yet to claim that distinction of Stanley Cup contenders. Needless to say, this is an exciting time for all Blue Jackets fans. I hope this excitement permeates all of Columbus and this small-town city embraces their hockey team. We shall see coming tomorrow against the Kings.

Also because of the playoff run, the Blue Jackets are "buyers" not "sellers". I would love to see Kirk Herbstreit run a commercial for Blue Jackets "Buyers" Automotive. Insert groan here. But with the territory of being a contender for the playoffs, this also brings a need for better players on the roster for a cheaper price. You send prospects, draft picks, or players that haven't panned out for you like you had hoped (Rusty Klesla and Pascal Leclaire).

We shall soon see whether or not GM Scott Howson will make a move, but Aaron Portzline of the Columbus Dispatch believes he will. Howson does not have much time left. As I write this, he has a little more than 41 hours to make a move. Jason Williams, Wade Dubielewicz, and Chris Gratton have all been brought to the Blue Jackets for a very low price. Howson knows what he is doing and I firmly believe that he will make the best moves for the organization. He may not make a move, but if that is so, it will be because the asking price was too steep. Howson has already made it clear that he will not overpay for a player, especially if that player is a "rental" player.

Regardless of what happens before Wednesday at 3 p.m., again I believe this team will make the playoffs. I am excited to witness this run, because other than Ohio State, I have witnessed special moments like this twice in my sports lifetime. I hope that I will be able to celebrate with the players in the locker room when we clinch on April 5th, after the Chicago Blackhawks game. Let's Go Jackets! And let's go fans! I want Nationwide Arena loud and obnoxious for visiting teams from here on out. And if you go, let me know, and I'll come say hi during the game.

BK out!

Hey from J

2009-03-02T13:13:00.000-08:00

Hi Everybody!

It's Jessica and I just wanted to stop by, say hi and give a little backround. I've been a member of the racket of almost two months now... as BK said I did a sit in on the show when I came in for my tour of the school and the rest is history. I've been a Blue Jackets fan for a little over 7 years now and a season ticket holder for 5. I love my boys and the team and will be a CBJ fan for life no matter where this one takes me. I am more than excited about this season at hand because as a long time fan this is what we in CBJ country have been waiting for..... a playoff run. This is by far the best CBJ team (in my opinion) that has ever been put together and if they keep up the hard work that got them here it's going to be a fun 19 games to watch from here on out.

Yes we had a hard loss to the Canucks last night... and I'm a little worried about the Kings game tomorrow only because they lead the series 2-1 with the CBJ winning the last meeting in LA back in December but I'm hoping for the best! We need these two points and a big confidence boost before heading into the houses of two of our biggest rivals... Nashville and Detroit within days of each other.

It should be a fun or at least an interesting week in CBJ hockey to look forward to! So in closing I'll say... Let's Go Jackets! Shoot for 5th boys!!!

Until we meet again..... Peace, Love, Rock & Roll, and Hockey!

Hello from BK

2009-03-01T19:44:00.000-08:00

Hello, Blue Jackets fans, it's Brian from Blue Jackets Racket. I am excited to start this blog with you and I hope you enjoy what you read here. When I heard that we were going to start up a sports talk station at our school, the Ohio Center for Broadcasting, I was rather excited, because sports broadcasting has become my dream career.

Our instructor nominated me to become host of the show because I am an intern for the Columbus Blue Jackets. I gladly accepted and asked Tony and Jeff to join me. Shortly after, Sam sat in and loved the show so much that he left his other show to be a part of Blue Jackets Racket. Muhammad started calling in and eventually just sat in with us to become a solid and unique part of our show. A couple of months later, we had a re-sign up for the show and Ralph, Adam, and Stu joined the show. A couple of months after that, Jessica came while on a tour as an interested prospective student and blew me away with her knowledge of the team.

So that is our team as of right now. We have a couple more people coming shortly, I believe, but in my mind, thanks to the people we have on the show currently, we are the best show on ScoreOnAir.com. In fact, on Monday, March 2, 2009, Blue Jackets Racket will signal the start of the official re-launch of ScoreOnAir.com, where it will finally become the 24-hour station it was meant to be.

I wanted everyone to know that I am very excited to lead this great group of people through the playoff run our boys on ice are going for. I believe we have a very good team, and if they play consistent hockey from here on out, we will claim the playoffs for the first time in our franchise history. And Blue Jackets Racket will be there for the duration of that run, where we will bring you inside information from my time as intern and from people inside and outside of the organization whose job is centered around the Blue Jackets.

Speaking of which, Mike Todd, arena host for the Blue Jackets, will start off our show with a bang as he will be calling in to our show during the second and third segments tomorrow. I am really excited to talk to him as he brings a great enthusiasm to Nationwide Arena. Mike will be the fifth person we have been privileged to talk to who has special access to the Blue Jackets. We have talked to Doug and Kyle from ShakeTheCurse.com and Tom Reed and Aaron Portzline, beat writers for the Columbus Dispatch.

Just between you and me, I hope to get George Matthews and Bill Davidge, radio broadcasters for the Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Blue Jackets Radio Network, as well as Bill Clement and John Buccigross from ESPN, and finally Jakub Voracek and the captain of the Blue Jackets, Rick Nash before the season is over. But we shall see.

So again, I am really excited to see our show blossom as we go live and I want to thank everyone reading this for listening to our show. Please tell your friends and family to listen to the best Blue Jackets coverage anywhere. Until next time, peace.

BK

We Have A Blog Now!?

2009-02-26T16:22:00.001-08:00

We have a hockey team that is fighting HARD to make playoffs and now we even have a blog page! This is crazy! Life of a Blue Jackets fan is never dull is it?

Really just wanted to let you know the first "real" blog post will be on Sunday March 1 ,2009! That's exactly ONE day before our big re-launch! Until Then GOOO JACKETS!!!!!

Carrying The Flag,

Blue Jackets Racket

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