Thursday, March 4, 11 a.m. EST – Columbus Blue Jackets 

It’s been nearly a year since the Columbus Blue Jackets last heard the roar of a hometown crowd at Nationwide Arena, but that energy is set to return for the final games of the season. Just two days after the team will safely welcome back 10% capacity at home games, the Virtual Sports Report will welcome Blue Jackets general manager Jarmo Kekalainen and FOX Sports Ohio team broadcaster Jody Shelley. The Blue Jackets guests will discuss the impact of passionate fans in the stands and the team’s protocols to keep fans, players and staff safe. As former players, Kekalainen and Shelley will also talk about how they’ve transitioned into careers in the front office, and how they’ve found a home in the growing Columbus hockey community. 

About Jarmo Kekalainen 

Jarmo Kekalainen was named the third general manager in Columbus Blue Jackets history in 2013. Since his arrival, the Blue Jackets have enjoyed the best on-ice stretch in club history, posting their four winningest seasons based on points percentage. The first European-born general manager in NHL history, he has served as assistant general manager for Finland’s World Cup of Hockey team and at the 2014 Olympic Games in Sochi, Russia. As a player, Kekalainen appeared in 55 career NHL games with the Senators and Boston Bruins during a six-year career. 

About Jody Shelley 

Former Columbus Blue Jackets player Jody Shelley is a team broadcaster and color analyst for FOX Sports Ohio. Shelley’s playing career included time with Columbus, San Jose, New York and Philadelphia before he retired in 2013 and returned to Columbus to work a front office role as broadcast associate and team ambassador. Shelley currently serves as the president of the Blue Jackets Player Alumni Association.