The Blue Jackets Hockey League Fosters Opportunities for Advancement

Thu, Aug 8, 2024
by CapperTek

As Columbus continues to grow as an outstanding hockey town, so does the need for youth hockey and development. The Blue Jackets Hockey League plays a pivotal role in this development, bridging the gap between beginner programs and more advanced play, ensuring the city’s youth have ample opportunities to develop their skills and passion for the sport.

Establishing the Blue Jackets Hockey League

The Blue Jackets Hockey League was established in 2022 with the goal of bridging the gap between initial learn-to-play programs and more advanced levels of play. This league is designed to cater to boys and girls aged 5-14 years old and currently serves approximately 1,600 young players in Central Ohio.

“What we are is the continue to play version after the learn to play,” Dave Caruso, the senior director of amateur hockey programming for the Blue Jackets, said. “They have the Learn to Play program, which is step 1, 2 and 3 that gets kids into hockey and improves their skills. Once they get into Hockey 3, they are able to enter the Blue Jackets Hockey League, so they need that requirement to come in and then it is an easy transition.”

Before the establishment of the Blue Jackets Hockey League, there was a noticeable gap between when kids first stepped onto the ice and when they began playing at the high school level. The Blue Jackets Hockey League fills this gap by providing a structured environment that fosters skill development and a love for the game.

American Development Model and Long-Term Athlete Development Principles

The league’s structure follows the American Development Model and long-term athlete development principles from USA Hockey. These models aim to encourage more Americans to “Play, Love, and Excel” in the sport of ice hockey.

“The Blue Jackets Hockey League follows our ADM principles focusing on what makes for a great youth sport experience,” Ken Martel, senior director of player and coach development for USA Hockey, said. “For example, our five elements of a quality practice at every age – fun, challenge, looks like the game, constant decision making and repetition without repetitiveness.”

The Blue Jackets Hockey League prioritizes training that is developmentally appropriate for different age groups, with teams ranging from 6-and-under to 14-and-under. This focus on age-specific training has led to significant growth in both participation and performance among athletes.

“The most important thing is doing what is age appropriate and developmentally appropriate for the kids,” Caruso said. “We use that to guide us in everything we do and all our programming because in the end, we want every kid to play hockey and stay in the sport.”

Education and Coach Training Platforms

The league utilizes USA Hockey’s education and coach training platforms to ensure that all staff members are well-informed and capable of providing the best possible instruction.

Background checks and SafeSport protocols are implemented to maintain a safe and protected environment for all participants. This ensures that the league operates with the highest standards of safety and quality.

Volunteer and Development Coaches

Coaches in the Blue Jackets Hockey League are a mix of volunteer parents and development coaches, who assist in guiding and improving the skills of both players and volunteer coaches.

“The focus is on what we are doing and how we are supporting our coaches and volunteers because that is a huge part of what we are trying to do,” Caruso said. “We say that coach development is player development, so what USA Hockey is doing with their coaching clinics and coaching education, all of our coaches need to have, but then adding on top of that by supporting the coaches and volunteers in the field.”

With more than 300 volunteers last season, the league boasts a diverse range of coaching experience. This diversity allows for a rich environment where new coaches can learn from seasoned veterans, enhancing the overall coaching quality within the league.

“For me as a parent, it’s awesome to get to watch my kid play and do the things that I grew up doing and love to do,” Umberger said.

“For us, it’s a way to connect and bond. The Blue Jackets Hockey League provides opportunities for him to be on the ice and touch the puck as many times as he can while having fun and being around kids his age, making new friends and just really enhancing his level of passion for the game of hockey, while I get to be right there coaching.”

Locality and Convenience

One of the league’s significant advantages is its locality, with teams based at OhioHealth Chiller North, Chiller Easton, and Chiller Dublin. Younger age groups have a designated home location, while older players rotate among the three rinks.

Unlike other leagues where players and families often travel long distances for games and tournaments, the Blue Jackets Hockey League’s local setup significantly reduces the travel burden, making participation more convenient for families.

Inclusivity and Scholarships

The Blue Jackets Hockey League is committed to creating an inclusive environment. One way they achieve this is through scholarships aimed at eliminating economic barriers that might prevent some children from participating.

By offering scholarships, the league not only supports retention within the league but also promotes the growth of the sport as a whole, ensuring that more children have the opportunity to play hockey regardless of their financial situation.

Passion and Community

The Blue Jackets Hockey League has successfully instilled a passion for hockey within the youth community of Columbus, adhering to their golden rule of doing the right thing for everybody.

Through various programs and initiatives, the league has created a robust community where young players can develop their skills and passion for hockey in a supportive and nurturing environment.

Fans and supporters who want to engage more deeply with the league’s dynamics can explore Fanatics Sportsbook Ohio. This platform offers unique betting options, enhancing the excitement of following promising players as they progress through their careers.

The Role of R.J. Umberger

R.J. Umberger, a former Blue Jackets player, plays a significant role in the league as both a coach and a father of a young participant.

Umberger’s involvement brings a unique perspective to the league, combining his professional experience with his role as a parent. This dual perspective helps him contribute significantly to the development of both players and coaches.

Growth and Prospects

Since its inception, the Blue Jackets Hockey League has seen tremendous growth and continues to look towards a promising future.

The league’s commitment to developmentally appropriate training, safety, and inclusivity has led to an increase in participation, setting a strong foundation for future growth and success.

Commitment to Excellence

The Blue Jackets Hockey League remains dedicated to excellence in all aspects of its operation, from coaching to player development to community engagement.

By continuously evaluating and improving their programs, the league ensures that it provides the best possible experience for all participants, fostering a love for the game and developing skilled players for the future.

Looking Ahead

The Blue Jackets Hockey League has established itself as a vital part of the Columbus hockey community. Through its commitment to developmentally appropriate training, safety, inclusivity, and community engagement, the league provides young players with the opportunities they need to develop their skills and passion for hockey.

As the league continues to grow, it will undoubtedly play a crucial role in shaping the future of hockey in Columbus, ensuring that the city’s youth have every opportunity to excel in the sport they love.

“The direction it’s going, along with the leadership of the Blue Jackets Hockey League couldn’t be any better,” Umberger said. “It’s just a great place for your kids to play.”

The future looks bright for the Blue Jackets Hockey League as it continues to innovate and expand, providing more opportunities for young players to grow and succeed. The league’s ongoing commitment to excellence and community support will ensure that it remains a cornerstone of youth hockey in Columbus for years to come.