It's time to play hockey
Wednesday was filled with Blue Jackets news.
The team announced that legendary play-by-play man Jeff Rimer would retire after the 2023-24 season. Jeff is one of the nicest guys you'll ever meet. The man knows everyone and has decades of experience. He was even kind enough to let me in the arena a few weeks ago when I couldn't get in the media day event because the door was locked. Jeff will be missed, and whoever they hire to do the play-by-play, which man think will be current radio guy Bob McElligott, will have huge shoes to fill. Good luck to you Jeff Rimer!
The Jackets also announced some coaching news. Josef Boumedienne was added as an assistant coach on Pascal Vincent's staff. Boumedienne is no stranger to the organization. He's spent the last 10 years as a scout and was hired as the Director of Pro Scouting in 2021.
Jared Boll and Steve McCarthy we're also extended through the 2025 season. The coaching staff and front office will all be tied together until 2025.
Also announced were the alternate captains for 23-24. Obviously, Boone Jenner is the Captain, Zach Werenski will wear a permanent "A", Sean Kuraly will wear an "A" at home, and Erik Gudbranson will wear the "A" on the road. This is a solid leadership group. Many wonder why Johnny Gaudreau wouldn't get an "A", my response to that? Gaudreau leads by example with his play on the ice.
Tonight the Blue Jackets take on the Philadelphia Flyers at 7 p.m. at Nationwide Arena.
Join Jason Newland's Columbus Blue Jacket page on Bunches, a new app that connects sports fans. Also, you can watch a new YouTube game show about the Blue Jackets, Around the Fifth Line.