Leading by example off the ice, Blue Jackets captain Boone Jenner used his charitable initiative, Boone’s Buddies, to help families create joyful memories away from the hospital throughout the 2025-26 season.
Launched this year through the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation, Boone’s Buddies supported children receiving care at Nationwide Children’s Hospital by hosting families staying at the Ronald McDonald House at 20 Columbus Blue Jackets home games. After the games, Jenner met with each family to hear their stories and build personal connections.
“It's truly inspiring to me, and they're the true warriors in my mind,” Jenner said. “They inspire me, so it's just fun to meet them, knowing they're going through something, but their attitude and their joy in life is so special to see.”
Boone’s Buddies and Jenner’s contributions to the Columbus community have earned recognition both through the CBJ organization and across the National Hockey League. Jenner was selected as the Blue Jackets’ 2025-26 Community MVP, recognizing his leadership, compassion and deep commitment to families across central Ohio. The selection makes Jenner a two-time recipient, after he first received the award in 2019-20.
Jenner was also the Blue Jackets’ nominee for two NHL annual awards, the Bill Masterton Memorial Trophy and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy.
The Columbus chapter of the Professional Hockey Writers Association awarded Jenner his second career nomination for the Masterton Trophy, which is presented annually to the player who best exemplifies the qualities of perseverance, sportsmanship and dedication to hockey. The King Clancy Memorial Trophy is awarded annually to the NHL player who best exemplifies leadership on and off the ice and has made a noteworthy humanitarian contribution to his community.
A dedicated advocate throughout his career, Jenner launched Boone’s Buddies to continue his passion for service, especially for children experiencing medical challenges. Jenner has actively engaged in the Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation’s pediatric cancer initiatives, including participating in hospital visits and other Hockey Fights Cancer programs.
“I've always had a soft spot for Nationwide (Children’s Hospital) and what they do for kids and families that are going through really tough times,” Jenner said.
Boone’s Buddies was born from Jenner’s previous efforts to invite families from the Ronald McDonald House to Blue Jackets games.
“I just wanted to do that again,” Jenner said. “It's important to me to help them come out and take their minds off whatever they may be going through.”
One of this year’s Buddies was Adella Wilde-Gee, who attended a game with her mom, Ireena, and brother, Mckais. The Gees hail from Utah but travel to Columbus for specialized care at Nationwide Children’s because of 12-year-old Adella’s need for treatment related to digestive issues, requiring around five dozen surgeries.
“Adella was born at 2 pounds, 9 ounces, with her digestive tract not working correctly,” Ireena said. “Her bladder and now her pancreas also don’t function properly.”
Ireena said Boone’s Buddies has given their family a special memory that has relieved some of the stress of hundreds of miles of travel.
Jenner said the program allows families like the Gees to experience joy in the midst of extremely difficult circumstances.
“They can just get out and be a family together, and I think they really enjoy that,” Jenner said. “I know the families enjoy coming and spending that time with their family away from all the noise, so it's special that way.
“A lot of (families) are from out of town, or even if they're in town, they haven't been to a Blue Jackets game. They get to experience it and get a change of scenery. They're going through tough times, and it's inspiring for me to see and meet the kids. I try to stay in touch with them, and I hope the best for them.”
Other families to attend games include the Smith family, as 9-year-old Gideon Smith had a tumor discovered in his heart before birth, spent the first week of his life in the ICU, and has been diagnosed with Tuberous Sclerosis Complex, a rare genetic disorder that causes tumors to grow in vital organs. There was also Barrett Knipper, 7, whose family travels from its Nashville home every six-to-eight months for treatments for Barrett’s muscular dystrophy.
At a Blue Jackets game, families like those navigating medical challenges have a rare night of respite and pure fun. Each Buddy and their family also receive exclusive Boone’s Buddies hats as a keepsake.
“I think just meeting them is super special,” Jenner said. “They're so pumped up for the game, especially if it's their first game. It's so much fun to see their reactions after the game, but also just meeting them and hearing a little bit about what they may be going through.”
Jenner said he values the connections he gets to form with his Buddies.
“It's very special to me to have them out and host them,” Jenner said. “That's the main part, getting them away from what they're going through and giving them some family time not at the Ronald McDonald House or at Nationwide.”
