CLEVELAND – Fox Sports Net Ohio will present “Breaking the Ice,” a one-hour special that takes a look back at the inaugural season of the Columbus Blue Jackets on Monday, April 30 at 8 pm. Play-by-play announcer Dan Kelly and color analyst Steve Konroyd along with reporter Jeff Hogan will host the show.
As an NHL expansion team, there were many “firsts” for the Blue Jackets: the first win, first hat trick, and first shut out; all highlighted by some dramatic wins and some tough losses. Player interviews will be featured in the special as they share their perspectives on the Blue Jackets first NHL season.
Highlights of the “Breaking the Ice” special include the fans perspective on “their” team and the first year of NHL action in Columbus, and some of the lighter moments from the 2000-2001 season, both on and off the ice.
Scheduled to appear are head coach, Dave King, president and general manager, Doug MacLean, and team owner, John H. McConnell. Each will share their thoughts on the season and what’s ahead for the Blue Jackets in the future.
Mark Balk will produce “Breaking the Ice,” which will be anchored from various locations throughout Nationwide Arena.
The following are excerpts from the one-hour special:
John H. McConnell (team owner) – (when asked if he would change anything about the season): “I can’t think of anything I would do to change anything. The players have been fantastic – faced with injuries and everything else, they came back. Our management has been good and the fans have been fantastic, so what more could you ask?”
Dave King (head coach) – “I was continuously amazed by this group – how they were so resilient through so many situations