During pregame warmups, Blue Jackets Hockey Is For Everyone ambassador Seth Jones and teammates will use rainbow colored Pride tape on sticks and practice with Pride-themed pucks. The club will then auction off signed sticks by a select group of players with proceeds benefiting You Can Play and its efforts to insure safety and inclusion of all in sports - including LGBTQ athletes, coaches and fans.
Fans may bid on the sticks by visiting www.cbjauction.gesture.com or texting CBJAUCTION to 52182. The auction opens at 12 p.m. on Saturday, February 10 and closes at the end of the 2nd intermission that evening. A limited quantity of the pucks used during warmups will be on sale for $30 each at the Blue Jackets Foundation kiosk located near sections 110-111 on the main concourse.
Pregame activities also include 30 members of the Columbus Gay Men's Chorus accompanying Blue Jackets anthem singer Leo Welsh to perform the "The Star-Spangled Banner." The Blue Jackets will further highlight diversity among hockey participants with an on-ice, pregame introduction of individuals representing a wide spectrum of leagues and programs including: Ohio Sled Hockey, Special Hockey (players with developmental disabilities), Columbus Ohio Gay Lesbian Ally Hockey Association, Columbus Ice Hockey Club (Columbus Recreation & Parks program), girls' hockey, adult hockey, high school hockey and youth hockey. Intermissions will feature Sled Hockey and Special Hockey scrimmages, including a check presentation from The Basement Doctor to the local Special Hockey team.
