Behind the Battle, 61

On Saturday, March 5 the Blue Jackets and the 5th Line celebrate one of the very best to ever play the game, Rick Nash.
Rick arrived in Columbus as the first overall pick of the 2002 NHL Draft. The NHL’s youngest player on the NHL’s youngest franchise.
Over the next 10 years, the kid from Brampton, Ontario would become the youngest player in NHL history to lead the league in goals. A perennial All-Star. An Olympic gold medalist. A World Championship Tournament MVP. He grew up in our city. He was the face of our franchise. He was our captain. He helped put Columbus on the map in the hockey world. He was a force on the ice. A rare combination of strength and grace. He was selfless in the community. Approachable and humble. He exemplifies everything we want in a Blue Jacket.
When we think 61, we think Rick Nash. He was the first player in team history to wear the number. Tonight ensures he will be the only one to do so.
Thank you, Rick.
Forever a Blue Jacket.
Forever 61.
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[@pfefferfeff89]

Goosebumps from the opening minute. Amazing stuff from the digital media team! #614ever

[@tmoore4075]

Wings fan here watching this. This was a pretty awesome thing to watch.

[@hunterhicks6726]

I was fortunate enough to watch the ceremony in person. It was done so spectacularly. I couldn’t think of any ways it could have been made better.

[@Philippe8876]

Thank you, who ever made this. #61

[@bretts7694]

I really wish I could've attended this wonderful ceremony in person but what an amazing video!! Thanks CBJ

[@paulyb51]

Just fantastic!

[@ashleym5395]

I postponed watching this for a while because I knew I was going to cry. I cried at in person as well, and still get emotional thinking about this night. One of my top things on my bucket list was to be there when 61 got raised to the rafters.

[@austinzaloga9589]

Always a thorn in the Red Wings side. Amazing player.

[@myrealfakename6068]

This oozes quality 👌

[@chubbawubbahubb24]

Can we just go all out for a couple years and push hard for a damn cup!?! Be a legit terror in this league?

[@CJMattias]

How exactly would you do that?

[@petemann]

@@CJMattias Well, it seems the FO has some ideas...

[@tsarXadam]

@@CJMattias We can start with signing Johnny fucking Hockey! The future is bright!

[@sovietdove1320]

CBJ please tell the head coach to work on our passes in our rebounds last night was unacceptable

[@italkapple.mac.istuff.7876]

He definitely deserved it. I only wish he would have won a Cup.

[@CJMattias]

Sheeesh just skip the facemasks already