As we celebrate America’s independence today, I thought I’d take a moment to celebrate the strong American presence within the roster and staff of the Columbus Blue Jackets.
As our own Dan P. wrote about in 2014, much of the current Jackets identity can be credited to the influence of former Blue Jackets adviser (and 1980 US Men’s Olympic team assistant coach) Craig Patrick. Americans Jack Johnson, Nick Foligno, and Brandon Dubinsky immediately earned leadership roles and led by example on the ice with gritty, two-way play.
Patrick has moved on, but there are still Americans in charge.