CBJ to celebrate Rick Nash's jersey retirement on Saturday, March 5

The Columbus Blue Jackets will honor Rick Nash as the first player in franchise history to have his jersey retired as his number 61 is raised to the rafters above Nationwide Arena prior to the Blue Jackets game against the Boston Bruins on Saturday, March 5. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with fans kindly asked to be in their seats by 5:30 p.m.

Nash is the franchise's all-time leader in games played, goals, assists and points as he registered 289 goals and 258 assists for 547 points with 568 penalty minutes in 674 games from 2002-12. The club's captain from 2008-12, he represented the Blue Jackets at five All-Star Games and won a Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy and the NHL Foundation Player Award during his nine seasons with the club.
The historic evening, presented by OhioHealth and Nationwide, will begin with a pregame ceremony with special guests in attendance including former Blue Jackets General Manager Doug MacLean and former Head Coach Ken Hitchcock. A feature video presentation celebrating Nash's career and accomplishments will include his former teammates, dignitaries, and friends.
"From the time OhioHealth learned Columbus would get an NHL franchise, we knew we wanted to be partners with the Columbus Blue Jackets. With that commitment, now more than 25 years later, we had a front row seat to the amazing career of Rick Nash on the ice, and his dedication to our community off the ice," said Steve Markovich, MD, President and CEO, OhioHealth. "It's an honor to celebrate the great career of number 61, the first CBJ player to have his number retired - and we're looking forward to seeing future greats join him in the rafters. We'll be there every step of the way, writing history together as the official healthcare partner of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Congratulations Rick."
"As a proud team sponsor since the inaugural season, it is a pleasure for Nationwide to be a part of this special celebration honoring a Blue Jacket who has meant so much to this franchise and this community," said Jim McCoy, Nationwide's Associate Vice President of Sports Marketing. "Rick's on-ice accomplishments are forever part of the team's history, and it is only fitting that the first Blue Jacket to have his jersey retired now has an important role in shaping the club's future as well. Congratulations, Rick!"
Throughout the game, fans can visit displays on the main concourse featuring jerseys worn by Nash throughout his career, the Maurice "Rocket" Richard Trophy he won in 2003-04, and his two Olympic Gold Medals. In addition to the night of the ceremony, these displays also will be featured during home against the Los Angeles Kings on March 4 and Toronto Maple Leafs on March 7.
The Columbus Blue Jackets Foundation will host several fundraising opportunities to grow the game of hockey and remove barriers to the sport in the central Ohio community, highlighted by a Player Jersey Raffle of player-signed Rick Nash No. 61 jerseys worn by the Blue Jackets during pre-game warmups that night. The jersey raffle opens on Friday, March 4 at 9 a.m. and will conclude at the end of the 2nd intermission of the CBJ home game on Monday, March 7. Raffle tickets, priced at $10, may also be purchased in-arena at the Foundation kiosk during home games on March 4, 5, and 7.
Fans will have an opportunity to purchase official jersey retirement night warmup pucks at the Foundation kiosk, as well as bid on numerous Rick Nash-themed items, including "Nash's Favorites" packages that include a set of No. 61 etched glasses and a signed bottle of Bib & Tucker bourbon. The Foundation will also host a 50/50 Raffle, presented by Kemba Financial Credit Union. Bidding on items and the purchase 50/50 raffle tickets begins at 9 a.m. on March 5 and concludes at the end of the 2nd intermission of the game that night. Fans can text CBJAUCTION to 76278 or visit cbjauction.givesmart.com to participate.
In addition, special and limited-edition merchandise featuring Nash will be available at The Blue Line Team Store located at Nationwide Arena. Follow @BlueJacketsNHL and @TheBlueLineOnline on social media for announcements.
Bally Sports Ohio and the Blue Jackets Radio Network, including flagship station 97.1 The Fan, will provide live coverage of the festivities beginning at 5:30 p.m. The complete ceremony will re-air on Bally Sports following the game and on Sunday, March 6 at 11 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.
For more details on this special night, including ticket information, and for a closer look at Rick's outstanding career, visit www.CBJ61.com.