Bethany's Hockey Rants

Updates from the CBJ World

by Bethany on 05/07/09 at 11:15 PM ET
Comments (3)

So much to report on in the world of the Columbus Blue Jackets. Most importantly, Ryan Salmons passed away on Friday, May, 1, he was only 19 years old. The news hit me like a ton of bricks. After the Jackets signed him I had the opportunity to meet Ryan twice, he was such a strong person, and is such a hero. Ryan was a huge part of the Blue Jackets, many of the fans including myself, got behind Ryan, and cheered him on, we grew attached to him.

Ryan had the opportunity to see both of the Blue Jackets home playoff games. He will never know how many people he touched in his short life, but I am so thankful that his family allowed us to get to know him.

The Blue Jackets have also decided to let Danny Gare go, and keep our other three broadcasters. I think it was the right decision, but not exactly what I wanted, I was hoping for new television broadcasters, but bringing in Bill Davidge will be great. Something needed to happen with our broadcasters, they were really struggling.

Also of note, the Crunch coaching team is still intact. It was a good decision, they have done a great job with the Crunch, and while they got the short end of the stick this season, they are very good at what they do. According to Puck-Rakers it is a one year deal.

The Jackets have a lot of work to do this off season. For now I am going to sit down and watch some hockey (without worrying about school work), something I haven’t had a chance to do in quite a while.

Filed in: Columbus Blue Jackets | Bethanys Hockey Rants | Permalink
Tags: Columbus+Blue+Jackets, Ryan+Salmons,

Comments

His was a very inspiring, and very sad story, all at the same time. As a Wings fan, when I heard the story during the intermission, I was actually sad to see the Wings dominate game 3. Even though I’m glad the Wings won the series, I wish game 4 had happened one night earlier.

I hope the Blue Jackets do something very classy to keep his memory alive, perhaps with a charitable foundation.

Oh - and btw - if you want to make us all nervous in the off season, find a way to pick up Patrick Marleau out of San Jose. One more year on his contract, so maybe you can find a good trade for him.

Posted by CJBear71 on 05/08/09 at 12:29 AM ET

Very sad story. I’m so glad he got to see a Jacket playoff game.

Posted by hockeychic from Denver, CO on 05/08/09 at 01:01 AM ET

The Ryan Salmons story was tragic, but showed the class of the CBJ organization and how far it’s come. It’s not often that professional sports franchises go to that length to show appreciation for a great fan. I only wish that it would have gotten more media exposure nationally.

Posted by Animal Drew from A Nightmare on Helm Street on 05/08/09 at 06:46 AM ET