Take a Bow, 5th Line: A Tribute to Blue Jackets Fans
To the dedicated fans of the Blue Jackets, we salute you. Throughout the past season, your unwavering support at Nationwide Arena did not go unnoticed. Despite the challenges faced by a young Columbus team that finished at the bottom of the Eastern Conference, your passion and enthusiasm never wavered.
With a fourth consecutive postseason miss, the resilience of Blue Jackets fans shone brightly as they filled Nationwide Arena game after game. A total of 697,667 fans graced the arena this season, averaging an impressive 17,016 fans per game. This attendance figure marks the highest since the 2003-04 season when the team averaged 17,369 fans per game, ranking as the fifth-highest attendance in franchise history.
Your dedication and commitment to the team have not gone unnoticed. The Blue Jackets organization extends its heartfelt gratitude to the 5th Line for their unwavering support and for being a driving force behind the team’s success both on and off the ice.
To the incredible #5thLine, the heartbeat of our team, THANK YOU for your unwavering support all season long! ❤️💙 pic.twitter.com/tWYFaBOhNg
— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) April 19, 2024
The Heartfelt Appreciation of Blue Jackets Players for Their Fans
Sean Kuraly, a proud Central Ohio native, eloquently expressed his admiration for the true heroes of the season – the fans. Despite the team’s performance not always meeting expectations, the unwavering support of the fans shone brightly throughout the season, leaving a profound impact on the players.
Beyond mere statistics, such as the impressive 11 sellouts in a 13-game stretch from December to February, it is the fervor and dedication of the Blue Jackets fans that truly stand out. In a league where sellouts and passionate crowds are not guaranteed, Columbus fans consistently filled Nationwide Arena with energy, creating an atmosphere that fueled the players.
Players like Cole Sillinger recognize the invaluable role fans play, describing them as passionate, underrated, and the backbone of the team. The love for hockey in Columbus extends beyond the NHL team, evident in the thriving adult leagues, burgeoning youth programs, and the success of local teams like Olentangy Liberty and Ohio State women’s hockey.
The deep-rooted passion for hockey in the region underscores the special bond between the team and its fans. Captain Boone Jenner acknowledges the fans’ unwavering support through challenging times and emphasizes the team’s commitment to rewarding them with success on the ice.
As the season concluded with a resounding win and a heartfelt “C-B-J” chant from the fans, head coach Pascal Vincent envisions a future filled with playoff victories and the joy of a passionate fanbase. The fans are not just spectators but integral members of the Columbus Blue Jackets family, inspiring the team to strive for greatness and deliver the wins that their dedicated supporters truly deserve.
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