The Columbus Blue Jackets will celebrate diversity and inclusion in the sport with Hockey Is For Everyone Night, presented by Vorys, when the Jackets host the San Jose Sharks on Saturday, February 23 at 5 p.m. The evening will be highlighted by themed recognitions, fundraisers and an exit giveaway of foam pucks while supplies last.
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 individually-signed sticks by visiting
www.cbjauction.givesmart.com
or texting CBJAUCTION to 52182. The auction opens at noon on Saturday, February 23 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 $40 each at the Blue Jackets Foundation kiosk located near sections 110-111 on the main concourse.
Pregame activities also include 40 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 Warriors Sled Hockey (disabled veterans), 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.
"Our firm has a long history with the Blue Jackets and we're proud to be one of their partners," said Michael Martz managing partner at Vorys, the official corporate and business law partner of the Blue Jackets. "When the Blue Jackets told us they were looking for a sponsor for Hockey Is For Everyone Night, we were eager to step in. This celebration of diversity and inclusion is directly aligned with our firm's core values."
The Blue Jackets return to action tonight when they host the Tampa Bay Lightning at 7:30 p.m. ET. The game will be broadcast nationally on NBC Sports Network. The game may also be heard on the Eldorado Scioto Downs Blue Jackets Radio Network, including Sports Radio 97.1 The Fan and online at BlueJackets.com.
CBJ to host Hockey is for Everyone night, pres. by Vorys on February 23
Night will include game-day activities and recognitions to celebrate diversity and inclusion in hockey.
