Bethany's Hockey Rants
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Jackets ‘Sign’ Salmons
by Bethany on 03/26/09 at 05:09 PM ET
Comments (8)
If you wanted a post before the game - well you’re getting one, but it’s not going to talk about the game tonight.
The Jackets “signed” Ryan Salmons to a one day $3 contract.
Salmon is a 19-year-old terminally ill cancer patient who loves the Columbus Blue Jackets.
This story really hit home for me, I started crying as soon as I read it. I lost my two of the best friends I would ever have to cancer - my grandpa and my uncle, so when I see the organization reach out to a kid like Ryan, it thrills me beyond belief.
Scott Howson went over the contract with Ryan and Manny Malhotra and Jason Chimera were on hand to witness Ryan being signed.
Chimera says that general manager Scott Howson was awesome during the “contract offer” to Ryan. Howson went through the contract page by page the way he would any potential player. The GM told Ryan he hadn’t seen him play, but that he heard a lot of good things. Howson said his contract would include two tickets to the first playoff game if the Jackets qualified.
Ryan’s father, Brad, sat in amazement as Howson went over the entire deal making his son feel special. “This is the general manager of a major professional sports team,” Brad said. “Who would take that kind of time?”
To know that Howson would take the time to go over the contract with him, just amazes me. I honestly am just speechless. I know that the Penguins did something similar earlier in the season. It’s a great thing that NHL organizations take the time to make a kids dream come true.
Marc Methot even gave up his number for Ryan.
“I typically wouldn’t give up my number, but it is a small price to add a player like Ryan to our team,” Methot said.
Honestly, you have to read this article. And, if you’re lucky enough to be in attendance tonight, and Ryan is there, get on your feet and give him a standing ovation, that kid deserves it.
Filed in: Columbus Blue Jackets | Bethanys Hockey Rants | Permalink
Tags: Columbus+Blue+Jackets, Ryan+Salmons,
Comments
this was a greaty classy move by a great organization. Hard to believe this would happen with its previous GM. Good on howson.
Posted by Luongo-is-my-hero on 03/26/09 at 04:58 PM ET
Wow. This makes me kinda want to be a BJ fan. Very touching.
Posted by Sp4r7an on 03/26/09 at 05:13 PM ET
Fantastic!
Scott Howson is doing a great job.
This kind of thing (and winning) will pack the arena with loyal fans.
Way to go Columbus!
Posted by w2j2 on 03/26/09 at 05:29 PM ET
Why did they so long to fire Doug McLean?
Posted by Kel on 03/26/09 at 05:43 PM ET
From the top to the bottom, a class act.
Posted by SYF from Las Vegas, NV on 03/26/09 at 11:41 PM ET
Wonderful and touching story. I lost an uncle to cancer myself. Very classy move by what’s becoming a very classy organization.
Posted by Alan from Atlanta on 03/27/09 at 01:45 AM ET
I’m a Hawks fan, but tonight i’ll be rooting for Ryan and the Blue Jackets.
Posted by sean from T.O. on 03/27/09 at 02:20 AM ET
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About Bethany’s Hockey Rants
My name is Bethany Porter. My blog, Bethany’s Hockey Rants is here to fill you in on the latest Columbus Blue Jackets news.
Feel free to e-mail me at
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Classy move. Way to go, Blue Jackets.
Posted by cs6687 on 03/26/09 at 04:51 PM ET