Does Rick Nash deserve credit for Columbus hockey fan boom?
COLUMBUS, Ohio – In 1997, John H. McConnell gave the city he loved a franchise in a sport he didn’t love yet.
“I can't say I'm a fan because we never had hockey here,” said McConnell, the steel industry magnate who brokered a deal with the NHL to bring the Columbus Blue Jackets to reality.
But that’s how you make hockey fans, right? You bring hockey to them, bring them into the arena, get them hooked on a game whose addictive qualities are a natural fit for a Midwest U.S. town with cold weather and sports obsessions. (See Buckeyes, THE Ohio State University.)
Starting in 2003, Rick Nash was central to that recruiting mission. With due respect to Ray Whitney and Geoff Sanderson, Nash was the first star the franchise had – a hulking forward taken first overall in the NHL Draft, and a player GM Doug MacLean traded up to select.
He accepted the role, become a part of the community both in terms of hockey and in charity, from donating money for OSU athletic scholarships to donations for meals to poor families in Ohio. He won the 2009 NHL Foundation Player of the Year for that commitment to the community.
He worked hard at growing the Jackets, growing the game and connecting with fans until 2012, and a contentious split between the franchise and its franchise player. Nash was traded to the New York Rangers, and the cheers turned to boos whenever he stepped on the ice.
“I think I expected some boos when the enemy comes into town. It was just awkward. A strange feeling coming back into this building,” said Nash, returning to Columbus as an All-Star this weekend.
The NHL knew what the reception would be like. They didn't make Nash an All-Star Game captain, although he would have accepted the role as the hell to Nick Foligno's hero. They put him on Jonathan Toews' team to ensure he wouldn't have draft drama surrounding him.
Nash says there was no need to worry about him, as the jeering doesn't bother him.
“I think I’m over the boos. It doesn’t really affect me anymore. But I feel like I put a lot of work into this organization and this city.”
He remains the best offensive player in franchise history, a player whose career milestones sync up with the team’s maturation.
“My first night here, scoring my first goal against Chicago. My second year, coming back and winning the Rocket Richard (Trophy). And then I remember the lockout,” he said, drawing a laugh. “Then I remember coming back the next year, and I was injured, presenting the Rocket Richard to the city with Mr. Mac. “
McConnell was a huge influence on Nash as he went from an 18-year-old rookie to the 30-year-old father that stood in Nationwide Arena this weekend.
“This was his long-term plan to have all eyes on Columbus for hockey. Knowing him pretty well … I spoke at his memorial at this rink. You know how much hockey meant to him,” he said.
Gary Bettman, NHL commissioner, echoed that sentiment this weekend.
“(He) would have every right to be overjoyed by what has transpired, inspired by the Blue Jackets' experience and presence here, what has transformed Columbus, and made this city one of increasing prominence and an area that is a matter of pride and actually great activity for this community,” he said.
Looking around All-Star Weekend, there’s no question hockey has taken hold and continues to grow, even with the Blue Jackets having only appeared in the postseason twice in their history.
Does Nash, the face of the franchise for so many years, take any satisfaction in that he helped bring fans to that community?
“That’s a good question,” said Nash. “I don’t really know if I’m one of the main reasons or anything like that. But I think that was part of our job as young top players in Columbus was to grow the game. To play hard to grow the game in Ohio. And as you can tell from being here, the game’s growing in Ohio.”
Nash knows he’s the enemy, and might be until his retirement. He asked out of Columbus via trade. It was a bitter split. The boos he heard during Saturday’s skills competition weren’t as loud as the ones he hears in the regular season trips here, but they were prevalent.
“I love coming back to the city, obviously. It’s always a bit strange coming back for hockey, obviously, because I suited up in this rink for nine or 10 years. I always miss Columbus. It holds a special place for me and my family,” he said.
It may not be The Fan Base That Rick Nash Built, but there’s no question he worked hard to build it during his time with the Blue Jackets.
“I spent half my career in Columbus, and tried to build hockey as best I could in the area. It seems like it’s taking off now.”
MORE FROM YAHOO HOCKEY
