Roberge, a long-time friend of Nash's, and Lampley have strong Ohio ties as both are alumni of The Ohio State University. Roberge, a native of Rockville, Maryland, is the lead vocalist, guitarist, and a founding member of O.A.R. (short for Of A Revolution), while Lampley is a native of Tallmadge, Ohio and former member of The Ohio State University Marching Band. He plays trumpet and provides backing vocals for the band, which gained national popularity in the mid-2000s with hits like "Love and Memories" and "Shattered (Turn the Car Around)" and performed at Nationwide Arena as part of the 2015 NHL All-Star Celebration hosted by the Blue Jackets.
The Blue Jackets will retire Nash's jersey, a first in franchise history, lifting his number 61 to the rafters above Nationwide Arena prior to Saturday's game. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with fans kindly asked to be in their seats by 5:30 p.m. Nash is Columbus'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.
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.
