2000-2001 Columbus Blue Jackets: Where Are They Now?
With the 1000th game in Columbus Blue Jackets history being played tonight, I thought I would take a look at where some of the original team members are now.
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Geoff Sanderson – After playing for the Vancouver Canucks, Phoenix Coyotes, Philadelphia Flyers, and the Edmonton Oilers, he “retired” and is now a scout for the New York Islanders.
Epsen Knutsen – He returned to his original hockey team in Norway, but had to retire due to injury. He now coaches that same team.
Tyler Wright – A fan favorite, he returned to the Blue Jackets organization to serve as Development Coach until leaving for a Director of Amateur Scouting position for the Detroit Red Wings
David Vyborny – He left the Blue Jackets to return to the Czech Republic to play for a team there.
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Bruce Gardiner – “After retiring from hockey, Gardiner became a police officer and was hired by the Barrie Police Service in 2003. In July 2009, he was charged with one count of criminal harassment and one county of voyeurism, both Criminal Code offences, after an investigation by the Ontario Provincial Police. Gardiner was charged and released on bail, and was suspended from duty with pay as a result of the charges. The criminal charges against Gardiner were withdrawn on June 16, 2010, after he agreed to enter into a peace bond, agreeing to have no future contact with the victim.” Source
Matt Kartozian-USA TODAY Sports
Kevyn Adams – He went on to help the Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup in 2006. He was hired and fired as an assistant coach for the Buffalo Sabres.
Lyle Odelein – The first captain in franchise history went on to play for 4 more NHL teams before retiring due to injury.
Kevin Dineen – He retired in 2002 and went on to coach the Portland Pirates (AHL) and the Florida Panthers. He was fired from the Panthers, but was named as the coach of the 2014 Canadian Women’s Hockey Olympic Team.
Ray Whitney – He went on to help the Carolina Hurricanes win the Stanley Cup in 2006. He currently plays for the Dallas Stars.
Tom Szczerbowski-USA TODAY Sports
Rostislav Klesla – Poor Rusty. He is currently playing for the Phoenix Coyotes. He was placed on waivers, and when no one picked him up, he played for their AHL team. The Coyotes have since recalled him.
Ron Tugnutt – Tugger has been a color commentator for Hockey Night in Canada, a goaltending coach for the Oshawa Generals, and a goaltending consultant for the Canada World Junior team. He is currently an assistant coach for the Petersborough Petes.
Jody Shelley – He is currently working as a radio/tv personality and ambassador for the Columbus Blue Jackets!