The inaugural Blue Jackets wives cookbook

Reader John shares with us perhaps the most unique piece of memorabilia from the Columbus Blue Jackets' inaugural season:

This is Volume I and it was sold during the inaugural season. (Maybe someone can help with this?)

The CBJ foundation teamed with Max and Erma's to sell this cookbook for $30 in their restaurants and, I guess, at games. It has a stiff back cover which folds to let the book stand up, as seen in the photos. There are tabs for the different sections: Foundation, Recipes, Scrapbook and Your Team. Of interest are the ingredients for 'ownership' and the note about the foundation and their goal to grow youth hockey in Columbus. As we see now, youth hockey and leagues are present where little to none existed before. 

I can't say if this is the first thing the CBJ foundation put out to raise funds, but it is certainly among the earliest.

More photos follow...

The Civil War-era kepi

Reader (and Dark Blue Jacket blog contributor) Gallos shares a unique piece of Columbus Blue Jackets-themed headwear...

This is a super nice kepi made by Fall Creek Sutlery. Took me awhile to get the size right. My kids bought this for me for my birthday, so the agreement is that this doesn't get tossed for a hat trick unless its in the playoffs. I'll probably grab my pins though. 

I like this hat a lot. I've seen another guy who has the cannons on the front, which I did for a bit, but it just didn't work for me. It wasn't easy getting them on the top. It took a bit of brute force. 

So apologies to Matt Calvert for not tossing it. Get that hat trick in the playoffs against Detroit, and it goes. 

I got most of the pins at the Blueline, but I was in the local carryout last summer and the crossed sticks pin was on sale for like, $2. So I grabbed the two remaining. Though I think the broken twig gives it a battle scarred look.

Too cool.

Serge Aubin-signed puck

Yet another classic Columbus Blue Jacket autograph courtesy of reader Rhonda...a vintage CBJ logo puck signed by Serge Aubin:

Nothing beats the silver sharpie!

The "Brassacek" jersey

On the eve of the Columbus Blue Jackets 2011-2012 opener, reader (and Dark Blue Jacket contributor) Gallos offers this one-of-a-kind entry in the Pucks 'n' Stuff sweepstakes:

This is my 'Brassacek' jersey...made immortal in this Puck Daddy post.

Fully mental Blue Jackets stuff

Reader Greg (of Full Mental Jackets, and the gracious host of the first two CannonFests) offers up a couple finely obscure Columbus Blue Jackets items for your viewing pleasure...

The first is my personal Blue Jackets Santa. To be quite honest, he and I are not on the best terms right now (for obvious reasons). Still, I will submit another list this year at Christmas and hope that maybe I have been a good little boy. 

The Kris Russell sweater, plus a little more

Reader Dannielle shares a few pieces from her treasure trove of Columbus Blue Jackets memorabilia:

The jersey:
Kris Russell #2 jersey, I had it lettered by the Blue Line in September of 2008. Approximately one month before he was sent to Syracuse and returned a changed (numbered) man.

Inaugural season goodness

This post seems fitting as we kick off another season of CBJ hockey... Reader Charles documented the Columbus Blue Jackets' first season well:

In my collection you will find a reprint of the Front page Columbus Dispatch from 10/8/00 declaring "Making history - Blue Jackets take to the ice in NHL debut" with a photograph of Robert Kron winning the CBJ's first ever face off in their first ever game. Below the photo is a list of the opening day roster and a photo of the ticket issued for the game.

Freddy Modin-signed license plate

What do you do with your old Columbus Blue Jackets-themed vanity license plate?

If you're reader Rhonda, you get the (then-)CBJ's Freddy Modin to sign it!

Geoff Platt-signed game ticket

Reader Rhonda offers us not just a Sergei Federov-adorned 2007 game ticket signed by Geoff Platt...but rather a ticket, signed by Platt, from the game where Platt scored his first NHL goal.

Nice touch.

Inaugural season signed team poster

Check out this beauty from reader Steven:

Here's his tale: 

I remember hearing the news that my hometown had been granted an NHL expansion franchise. Being a Red Wings fan at the time (which I have thankfully denounced long ago), it was bliss to hear I only had to drive 15 minutes to see NHL hockey. The team began its existence during my senior year of high school. I was fortunate enough to become an usher at Nationwide Arena and get paid to watch my new beloved team...something I'm sure no hockey fan would turn down. 

Vyborny's 450th game photo

Reader Rhonda has this awesome trick, that of taking photos of the jumbotron at special moments and then getting the player in question to sign a print of the photo.  In this case, it's David Vyborny on the occasion of his 450th game:

Well done!

DBT's Jonathan Sigalet-delivered CBJ practice puck

On a day when we learned that Columbus Blue Jackets prospect Jonathan Sigalet signed a contract to play for the Kontinental Hockey League's Lev Proprad, I thought I'd share the story of this particular puck:

The Dark Blue Toddler and I attended our first Blue Jackets training camp practices last fall (He's now 2, so I got him in early!).  Like most practices, the one in question saw a number of CBJ hopefuls hanging out after practice to work on their games and hopefully impress a coach or two in the process.  One was Sigalet.

Adam Foote-signed photo

From reader Rhonda's extensive archives, a photo of our former Columbus Blue Jackets captain that was subsequently signed by Foote...

At least it's no pretty-boy shot.  (Like that's possible, considering the subject...)

The CBJ Beer-Hockey Coffee Table

Reader Shawn presents us with 115% awesomeness - a homemade beer-hockey coffee table with a Blue Jackets theme:

I think this could be one of the more unique pieces of Blue Jackets fan items that you've received. 

Jody Shelley-signed menu

Reader Rhonda shows us that it's not enough just to snag a dirty menu from the original Blue Jackets Bistro and Bar...you need to get Jody Shelley to sign it!

Well played, Rhonda!

Rick Nash-signed "100th goal" ticket

Once again, reader Rhonda amazes with her awesome collection of memorabilia.  Most Columbus Blue Jackets fans can only dream of having this type of memento - a ticket from the game in which now-CBJ captain Rick Nash scored his 100th NHL goal, signed by Nash himself:

Gosh, Nash looks young in that picture.  Was it only 5 years ago?

Adam Foote-signed puck

Reader Dave wisely recognizes that Adam Foote is persona non grata in Central Ohio (even though Foote still has a house in town with a sweet basement), so he asked that I preserve his anonymity in this photo:

Yes, this post is about more than just a photo with the reviled ex-captain.  There's a signed puck involved.  And, yes, there's a story...

This was taken during a Pre-Season game in the post game media center where Foote was not taking questions. Except for me as I had won an auction to be a "CBJ reporter for a game". I was fed a pregame meal during which ex-gmdm came over to my table and demanded my credentials for being there.(my cbj escort had stepped out for a moment) This was when they still fed the press and the meals were fantastic and the room filled with media and scouts and other NHL officials and dignitaries. Dougie Mac stopped the practice after that season as it cost too much so you had to pay the next year.

Jody Shelley-signed skates

Reader Rhonda has some of the coolest stuff!  Check out these Jody Shelley-signed skates:

Skates make sense, seeing as Shelley rarely wore gloves.  (You don't need them for fighting...)

The Andrew Murray "Bob Gainey" jersey

On February 23, 2008, the Montreal Canadiens retired the jersey number of the legendary Bob Gainey:




Why do I share this little nugget with you - on a Blue Jackets memorabilia blog? Go back and look at the video again. The team on the visiting bench was none other than our Columbus Blue Jackets. And besides the fact that the Blue Jackets smoked the Habs, 3-0, in the Bell Centre that night, there is a legitimate memorabilia note to be made, one that reader Rhonda brings forth from her vault of CBJ pucks and stuff...

The CBJ wives cookbook

Reader John shares with us perhaps one of the more unique (at least in my opinion) keepsakes from the Columbus Blue Jackets' inaugural season.  I'll let him explain this gem:

This is Volume I and it was sold during the inaugrual season. (Maybe someone can help with this?)

The CBJ foundation teamed with Max and Erma's to sell this cookbook for $30 in their restaurants and, I guess, at games. It has a stiff back cover which folds to let the book stand up, as seen in the photos. There are tabs for the different sections: Foundation, Recipes, Scrapbook and Your Team. Of interest are the ingredients for 'ownership' and the note about the foundation and their goal to grow youth hockey in Columbus. As we see now, youth hockey and leagues are present where little to none existed before. 

I can't say if this is the first thing the CBJ foundation put out to raise funds, but it is certainly among the earliest.

More photos coming up...

Ron Tugnutt-signed appearance sheet

I know I've only been following the Columbus Blue Jackets since 2006-2007, but I do not recall a time when a Blue Jacket player did a non-Blue Line appearance like Ron Tugnutt did at Haydocy Pontiac:

Of course, there's no "Pontiac" any more, either.

(Thanks, reader Rhonda, for the signed Tugger picture!)

The Free Agent Day special

Check out THIS man-cave...

What's the CBJ free agency tie-in?  Why, it's former CBJ captain Adam Foote's basement.  Really.  It is.

Inaugural season banner

Reader Rhonda's impressive stash continues with this gem - a banner from the Blue Jackets' inaugural season. She says, "Not autographed, but a prized possession."  I can see why!

I always liked that graphic.  Imagine that hanging in your house!

If you HAVE to buy a PSL...

...then by all means, get it signed by (then-)Blue Jackets Jody Shelley and Kevin Dineen!  At least, that's what reader Rhonda appears to think.

By the way, Rhonda unloaded a barrage of CBJ-signed goodness on me...expect to see a LOT of her goodies over the days ahead!

THE Derek Dorsett-signed jersey

The Real Deal.  With a story to match.

From reader Alison, a tale of devotion, admiration and...bunny ears:

It all started during the playoffs when I really took a liking to Derek Dorsett. He just stood out to me on the ice - its the way he plays, his tenacity and his drive to give his all for every single second that he's on the ice, he knows his role and plays his heart out. The fact that he's scrappy and will drop the gloves doesn't hurt my opinion either. 

He's been my favorite Jacket ever since...so much so, that in 2009, while waiting for my husband's adult league game to take place at Nationwide after a CBJ game, DD was spotted walking around the arena (was coming from the press box as he was recovering from his concussion). I literally ended up (practically) chasing him, just missing him, till I caught him walking thru the arena towards the locker room, and I, a 35 year old woman, asked for a pic and said I was his biggest fan. (Poor guy was freaked out by some old lady in bunny ears!) 

The CBJ quilt: Must. Have. More. Autographs!

From reader Cathy, get a load of this, you amateur autograph-seekers...

Click on the quilt to see the autographs up close.  This is impressive!

Love the blog idea and I should be embarrassed to admit I could probably keep you in posts for quite some time considering the monumental amount of "stuff" we have accumulated since 2008 when we officially got on the fan wagon.

Rusty Klesla rookie jersey

Reader John offers this gem - a genuine Klesla jersey from The Original Blue Jacket's rookie year where he played all of 8 games.  Note the inaugural season patch on the front and the silhouette of the fight strap on the back.

John tells me that he picked it up from another collector.  Doesn't look to be signed, but it's in fantastic condition.  

Jody Shelley bobblehead - from the Syracuse Crunch

Thanks, Jill, for sending along this signed piece of minor league glory from the Blue Jackets' old AHL team, featuring one of Columbus' most beloved players ever!

Todd Marchant & Tyler Wright pucks

From reader Mcsean3, I think that's Marchant on the left and Wright on the right - both boxed (classy!).  These apparently were signed at the "Adam Allgeyer Memorial Hockey Tournament" - what's the backstory on that?

And get a load of the other pucks this guy has!  That's an ECHL Columbus Chill puck behind the autographed ones...and what's the story with the hand-written Canadians puck?

Thanks for the photo!  Great collection!

[UPDATE: Sean offers a little extra for your reading pleasure...]

I love the idea for the new blog

I sat behind the home bench for the first 3 seasons, which often resulted in pucks getting chipped into the bench which invariably meant one of the trainers or coaches would flip the puck over the glass.

I picked up 4 game used pucks that way. Also, I have a puck signed by Todd Marchant and Tyler Wright that I won at silent auction at the Adam Allgeyer tournament in Dublin. This was of course, before both guys found themselves playing in Anaheim.

The Rick Nash puck

From reader Mike Z:

Yup - That's The Captain's John Hancock

Not too much to tell about this puck, aside from the fact that I do know it's Rick's signature when comparing it to other pucks. He could really stand to learn some better penmanship... I can't make out any of the letters and I presume there's a "61" in the middle, but who knows. I've got a good friend that recently bought a Macbook Air since he was moving to New York and needed something light to commute with. He didn't really know much about Apple products, and since I work in IT and frequently deal with Macs, I offered to set it up for him with a bunch of software and configure everything for him before he left. He offered the puck to me as payment, and I couldn't be happier with it. Looks great on my mantle next to my small & modest collection of unsigned pucks like my opening-night puck, 10 year anniversary puck and a practice puck I caught before the crowd protective netting was in place (unknown shooter since it was a deflection off the crossbar during warmups but I'd like to think it's an Espen, Sanderson, or similarly vintage player).

Let's start this blog right

From the DBJ blog, circa 2009:

  Yet another "Filatov loan"

The Dark Blue Jacket family is pleased to announce that, after serious and meaningful discussions with family leadership, we are loaning my signed Nikita Filatov hockey puck to my bedroom door, where it will serve as a doorstop for the balance of the 2009-2010 NHL season.  We have agreed to reconsider the role that the puck plays in our household at the end of the season.  I very much hope that it will return to the plastic puck display case that sits in our office/rec room next season.

This is a bittersweet moment.  We have high expectations for the puck.  It's just not happening as soon as we had hoped, but that's OK.  The puck is only a year old and probably needs some time to find itself.

We have not had any offers for the puck, nor have we marketed it on eBay.  At this point, we're interested in seeing how it performs as a doorstop and will reevaluate as the need dictates.

The Filatov puck's intention from the start of the season was to hold a position of prominence next to our other sports memorabilia for the duration.  It had a certain level of frustration at not being able to meet those expectations.  After the glow of the first-round draft pick wore off and all of our friends and relatives had a chance to see the puck, it settled into a position on the shelf where it really didn't get that much exposure.  Once it was pretty clear that if the puck wasn't going to be able to keep that level of prominence on our shelf, it let us know that it was going to look for other opportunities around the house.

Mrs. Dark Blue Jacket expressed optimism at this new role for our puck.  "We've needed a doorstop for some time," she remarked, "and I fully support my husband and how he handles the sports memorabilia.  I make suggestions to him on how to to organize our collection of pucks, baseballs and football helmets, and he makes suggestions to me on which acquisitions make sense for our family.  I appreciate his willingness to put the puck in harm's way for the betterment of our family.  I only hope that Dark Blue Onesie doesn't gnaw the sharpie ink off.  He's cutting a tooth, you know."

The Dark Blue Jacket family will hold the rights to the puck for the indefinite future.  The family was unwilling to comment on rumors that whether a Tommy Sestito-signed puck will take the Filatov puck's place on the shelf.  "Now's not the time for such speculation," Mrs. DBJ said. "Let's just be happy that our puck finally has found a place that fits its skill level."