CBJ FANsided Friday: Dennis Kelley II from Boone’s Goons!
Welcome to this edition of CBJ FANSided Friday! In this series we will post a short interview with a fan from the Blue Jackets community and ask them about their Jackets fandom. We interviewed Dennis Kelley II, co-creator of the popular twitter handle, Boone’s Goons! Here’s what he had to say:
U&B: When did you first become a Blue Jackets fan, and what drew you towards the team?
Jan 30, 2014; Columbus, OH, USA; Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) checks Washington Capitals defenseman John Erskine (4) and steals the puck at Nationwide Arena. Mandatory Credit: Greg Bartram-USA TODAY Sports
Dennis: I’ve only been a fan since March of 2013. I knew nothing about hockey. I’m still learning. Last season was the first where I got to sit in the Lower Bowl at Nationwide Arena for a game. I did it 3 more times by season’s end. I think that combined with the winning and what I was able to learn about JD and Jarmo got me thinking that this organization is finally dedicated to bringing a winner to Columbus.
By the time the season ended, I wasn’t finished. I wanted more; a lot more. I took last year’s team poster and went to Front Street Fridays and met Foligno, Letestu and Ryan Murray. I went to the Draft Party and met Jack Johnson. I went to the Select-A-Seat events and met Nikitin and Johansen. I met Coach Richards and told him I believed in what he was doing here. With all these autographs, I told the players “Thanks for making me a believer.”
Nov 20, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) and Calgary Flames defenseman Dennis Wideman (6) battle for the puck during the third period at Scotiabank Saddledome. Columbus Blue Jackets won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
I went to Development Camp and was stunned when a guy leaving the facility was kind enough to hold the door open for me as I was going in. It was Jody Shelley. I even auditioned for the Promotions Team. That was interesting because I didn’t realize I was twice as old as most of the candidates there, haha. Still, it was some of the most fun I had all year. I spent a family vacation in September at Disney World. My brother convinced me to do the American Idol Experience, so there I was on stage singing Stevie Wonder’s Superstition in my Sergei Bobrovsky t-shirt. I took 2nd out of 16 contestants. It was fun. We saw CBJ hats on a few other people while we were there that week.
All of these things, I believe, are what Jarmo means when he calls the Blue Jackets a “Year ‘round culture.” I love this theory and I love what this organization is doing not just with hockey, but also with the community work. They’re building playgrounds for schools. They’re visiting hospitals. This is what I want representing my city. This is what drew me towards the team and I simply can’t get enough of it.
Jan 18, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Buffalo Sabres defenseman Tyler Myers (57) and Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) battle for position in front of the net during the third period at First Niagara Center. Columbus beats Buffalo 4 to 3 in shootout. Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports
U&B: Who is your favorite Blue Jackets player on the current roster?
Dennis: Boone Jenner, of course! When I started following the team, Boone wasn’t here yet. Unfortunately, when he was at the Draft Party, I didn’t know who he was. It’s my biggest regret as a fan so far. I paid close attention to Boone during Development Camp, but it was a preseason game against Minnesota where he dropped the gloves and tackled a guy that made him my favorite player. I jumped out of my seat and started yelling my head off and I remember thinking “this kid REALLY wants to make the team”. I’ve been hooked ever since. Now, he’s one of the best rookies in the league.
U&B: If you could choose the teams next captain right now, who would it be?
Dennis: As a newer fan, I still don’t fully understand the importance of the Captaincy. What’s a Captain? What all does a Captain represent? Is he a hockey Captain? Is he a role model Captain? I still don’t get it. I read that the Captain is in charge of speaking to Referees about rules. Is that it?
Nov 20, 2013; Calgary, Alberta, CAN; Columbus Blue Jackets center Boone Jenner (38) during the third period against the Calgary Flames at Scotiabank Saddledome. Columbus Blue Jackets won 2-1. Mandatory Credit: Sergei Belski-USA TODAY Sports
I’m probably less than qualified to answer this to be honest. But, if I had to choose a player right now, if I had to choose a player who I think represents the best of the Columbus Blue Jackets, then I really don’t have to think about it all that long. It’s Nick Foligno. I’m going to catch hell for that. I don’t care. I like Brandon Dubinsky a lot. He’s one of the best players we have. He’s passionate. I just get a little bit more from what I see out of Foligno right now. On a side note, and this has nothing to do with hockey, I think if I had my life to do over again I’d take a few pages out of Nick’s book. He’s a helluva man in my opinion.
U&B: Who is your favorite team to see the Jackets beat, and why?
Dennis: I don’t think I’ve developed that yet, but I DO want to see “Bobrovsky vs. Mason” someday SO bad! I was one of thousands chanting “We want Mason!” at the arena the last time the Flyers were in town. It would be a great prize fight and I think Sergei could take him blindfolded with both hands tied behind his back. Wait. Were we talking about hockey or boxing? Anyway, that’s the best answer I can give you on that one. Plus, being a Dallas Cowboys fan, I don’t like Philadelphia. At all. Ever.
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