COLUMBUS, Ohio (WCMH) — Night one of the 2025 NHL Draft has come to an end. To celebrate, the Columbus Blue Jackets had their very own draft party at Nationwide Arena.
Many of the fans we spoke with have high expectations for the team this season. Hundreds of fans showed up to support their team.
“The support tonight was overwhelming, honestly. It’s just, you know, I never expected that many people just to show up and support the team,” said Mathieu Olivier with the Columbus Blue Jackets. “It’s very humbling for my teammates and I. Obviously, we’re excited to get going here at the end of summer.”
The 2025 NHL Draft may be over 2,000 miles away, but that didn’t stop fans from celebrating.
“I think it’s a really cool opportunity to be at Nationwide and have the opportunity to watch it,” said Blue Jackets fan Caden Flores.
Nationwide Arena knows how to throw a draft party, from a meet and greet with Olivier to taking pictures with Stinger. It brought fans from across the state.
“Olivier is my favorite player, and I just love the Blue Jackets,” said Macy Cotsamire.
When we asked fans what they’d love to see this season, all the answers were the same.
“We need to win the cup,” said fan Knox Johnson.
“Just playing closer together like they have been and just continuing to win and get us to the Stanley Cup,” said Kyle Dynes.
“I think they should definitely make it to the playoffs this year, because of how good they did last year. They can only get better,” said Cotsamire.
We told Olivier that fans want to see the Stanley Cup brought to Columbus next season, and he said that’s the ultimate goal.
“Last year was a step in the right direction. But I think everyone kind of went home with a sour taste in their mouth, you know, missing the playoffs by one point. So, you know, that’s something that we kind of carry a little chip on our shoulder with it, and we will use it for motivation for the summer and get ready for the start of the year.”
It was also a bit of an emotional night when Johnny Gaudreau’s wife, Meredith, was brought out to announce the Blue Jackets’ 14th-round pick. Everyone at Nationwide Arena stood up to cheer her.
