Columbus Blue Jackets Seth Jones Appears on the Today Show

One of the brightest young stars not just on the Columbus Blue Jackets, but the entire NHL was showcased as the NHL starts its media swing and rolls out the Declaration of Principals.

Seth Jones was a national TV hit this morning as he joined other NHL superstars to roll out the NHL’s newest initiative and begin hyping the 2017-2018 season (I for one don’t need a hype tour to get me excited!). The Columbus Blue Jackets defenseman was joined by Marc-Andre Fluery, Ryan McDonagh, and Conner McDavid.

The players offered tips as Matt Lauer and Savannah Guthrie took shots on the Vegas Golden Knights goaltender. Lauer and Guthrie weren’t keen on listening to the Columbus Blue Jackets’ stud defenseman, or any of the players for that matter. They just ripped shots on Fluery for the entire segment, which was enjoyable.

While I was disappointed that Jones was afforded little, if any, speaking time, I take solace in the fact that it was some solid face-time for the youngster. It also provided some solid shots of the new Columbus Blue Jackets jersey that I can’t wait to buy!

Declaration of Principals

Along with Pat LaFontaine, the players were a part of introducing the NHL led Declaration of Principals. In the 100th year of the NHL the hockey community has introduced this declaration to show what the game of hockey and the hockey community stand for. Seventeen hockey organizations, including Hockey Canada, the CHL, NCAA Hockey, and the NHL to name a few, have come together to adopt these new ethical guidelines.

To this effect, Seth Jones was showcased for more than just his incredible skill. Jones demonstrates the declaration of principles core value of inclusion.

The campaign states that hockey is for everyone no matter their race, color, religion, national origin, gender, age, disability, sexual orientation or socio-economic status. Some teams will begin to use the #ThisIsHockey slogan, which will compliment the work of the ongoing “Hockey is for Everyone” campaign aimed at welcome all to the great game of hockey.

Jones is one of a few non-caucasian players in the league and that is something that all agree needs to change. Highlighting players like Seth Jones will hopefully encourage more youth participation amongst those who wouldn’t have thought that hockey is a sport for them. Hockey is for everyone and with leaders like Seth Jones, hockey will continue to grow.