COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — John Davidson has traveled the world playing, talking about and scouting professional hockey.
He says his current outpost is a great place that few know about.
”Columbus, to me, in some ways, is a very well-kept secret,” said Davidson, the director of hockey operations for the NHL’s Blue Jackets.
That might change this weekend. The city and the Blue Jackets have a busy, busy few days in the spotlight.
Ohio’s capital city will be the venue for this weekend’s NHL All-Star game, including the player draft on Friday night, a skills competition on Saturday and the game itself on Sunday at downtown’s Nationwide Arena. There are many other related events, drawing thousands of visitors and television viewers.
Meanwhile Ohio State, with its sprawling campus just a couple of miles from downtown, will celebrate its national championship in college football at massive Ohio Stadium on Saturday morning. Coach Urban Meyer and his players will speak to what’s expected to be a huge crowd while accepting trophies for their 14-1 run to the title.
Gene Smith, the athletic director at Ohio State, considers it an embarrassment of riches.
”When you think about our city and all the great things that have happened here over the years, this is probably one of those exemplar moments,” he said. ”The NHL All-Star game and weekend activities, just by itself, is phenomenal. But then to be able to showcase the national championship, all the media attention for both of those events for our city, it’s going to be unreal.”
Continue Reading: NHL All-Stars, Ohio State football share stage in Columbus
