Apr 27, 2013; Columbus, OH, USA; Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports
Tonight is a special night for the Columbus Blue Jackets, not only because it will be the first game after setting a new franchise record with their seventh consecutive win, but tonight is also the Blue Jackets 1000th game as an NHL franchise. If you interact with the team on Twitter, you have probably already seen the #CBJ1000 initiative, where the team has asked for fans to provide their favorite CBJ memories.
When thinking about how to properly cover this momentous occasion for the franchise, I decided I would ask the writers of the Union and Blue the same question. We share our views and opinions on here every day, but I don’t think we’ve reminisced about Blue Jackets memories before.
It is interesting to see that our little blog here is made up of a mix of newer and older CBJ fans. No one here was there for Game 1, but we all fell in love with this team for our own individual reasons on the road to Game 1000.
With that, here is the Union and Blue #CBJ1000 post.
Mark Huss:
"My favorite Blue Jackets moment is twofold, and it starts with the signing of Nathan Horton. Not only was it a great moment for the Blue Jackets, but you could feel the excitement when the signing was announced. The second part was being the one to cover the post-game for U&B on the night of Horton’s debut – which of-course was topped off by Nathan scoring!"
Rob Brumfield:
"My favorite moment was 1/27/09. Being in Nationwide and seeing a Rick Nash hat trick in person. It was amazing!"
Tyler West:
"I just started watching hockey about 4 years ago (year after playoffs, went to a game, loved it). I know my favorite moment was Jack Johnson‘s go ahead goal last year vs the Preds during the last game of the season. We couldn’t get into Nationwide, as it was sold out. So my girlfriend and I went to Boston’s pizza to watch. One of the best memories of my life."
Brian Wilson:
"I’ve been a hockey fan since the “Miracle on Ice” game in 1980. Yes, I’m old and yes, that was the first game I ever watched. I havent really been a CBJ fan for very long, so I guess my favorite moment happens every game, when I compare the skillset of Ryan Johanson with all of the great players I’ve seen over the years. And by-the-way, he compares very favorably with some HOFers"
Peter Dewar:
"I’ve not been a Jackets follower for too long, but I must say my favorite moment was Tropp’s goal against Pittsburgh this year."
Lindsay Wilson:
"My favorite moment was the Jan 2013 home opener. It was only my second game ever, but it was the game that made me fall in love with everything CBJ."
Clint Linn:
"I would say it was the Nash goal against the Coyotes, but screw Nash! Then I would say it would be the franchises very first playoff game in Detroit (I was there) but we lost that too. I will go with last years run after that pitiful start. The whole run, it was magical!"
Mark Zahnle:
"Best memory for me was the game against the Preds last year the atmosphere at that game was better than the first playoff game in my opinion. You could literally feel the energy in the arena such an amazing feeling!"
Mike Majeski:
"Mine would have to be the Matt Calvert hat trick game on February 25, 2011. It was the first (and still only) hat trick I have ever seen in person. The arena was going crazy, and the Blue Jackets overcame an early 2-0 deficit to win 5-3.I will also echo some of the others and say the Preds game to end the season was one of the greatest hockey games I have ever seen in person. Nationwide arena was shaking and I screamed myself hoarse during the game. When the Jackets won and did their part to cap off the miracle run, I don’t think I have ever been happier or prouder as a Blue Jackets fan."