Jeff Svoboda

After a playing career that paved the way for others, the Central Ohio native will be behind the Blue Jackets' bench this upcoming season as an assistant coach August 06, 2026 Long before Trent Vogelhuber was the first Central Ohio-raised hockey player to commit to advance to junior hockey, the first to be drafted in the NHL (by the Blue Jackets, no less) and the first to become a coach for that same hometown squad, he was simply a lost 2-year-old.

For the Ensman family, the road into hockey has been helped by those who have donated equipment through the Jackets' Recycle the Game program presented by ADS August 04, 2026 Growing up in Central Ohio, it didn’t take long for Chase Ensman to decide what sport he wanted to play. In fact, he even knew what position. “I became a goalie because of Bob,” Chase said.

To reach the next level, the Blue Jackets have to become comfortable being uncomfortable. At least that’s the belief of head coach Rick Bowness. When the 2025-26 season ended, Bowness made headlines across the hockey world with his postgame press conference after game No. 82.