2005 Columbus Blue Jackets

Among the newest teams in the NHL, the Columbus Blue Jackets have been a "typical" expansion team since their inception in 2000. In other words, they are not a very good team yet. Finishing just 3 points ahead of the dismal Chicago Blackhawks, the Blue Jackets nevertheless have developed a rabid fan base that loves to cheer on such players as Rick Nash and David Vyborny. Head coach Gerard Gallant will lead this team to greater success as time goes on, so get your tickets while you can.

The name of the Columbus Blue Jackets seems to reflect the significant participation of Ohio residents in the Union Army during the American Civil War (1861-1865). The club mascot is Stinger, a bee that wears a blue uniform resembling that of a Union soldier. The team colors are red, white, and blue. The Bluejackets play in Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio.

On June 25, 1997, the NHL officially announced that Columbus; Atlanta, Georgia; Nashville, Tennessee; and Saint Paul, Minnesota, had been awarded NHL franchises. Businessman John H. McConnell is the Blue Jackets' majority owner, and Doug MacLean is the general manager. Columbus's first season in the NHL was the 2000-01 campaign. Before the season the team filled its roster by selecting players in a series of drafts.

Note: The Blue Jackets are commonly misspelled as one word, the Bluejackets.