Mites Take Over Nationwide - Athens Youth Hockey Association | Athens Ohio | Bird Arena

“Move over Rick Nash.” “Look out Steve Mason.” “Step aside R.J. Umberger.” The Athens Mites were in town and taking over Nationwide Arena on January 2nd. The mites received the unique opportunity to showcase their skills during the first intermission of the Colorado Avalanche vs. Columbus Blue Jacket game. While the game only lasted only about three minutes or so, the game was just as exciting and made memories that will last a lifetime.

Upon entering the Ice Haus on the backside of the arena, coach Brent Breslin's mite crew received directions and were escorted to the locker room.  While on their way back,


Photo: Athens Mites (Future Jackets) prepare to take the ice at Nationwide Arena

the mites had a chance to see a few of the Blue Jacket players warming up under the arena by kicking around a soccer ball. The players received high fives from the Jacket players while they came off the ice after the first period. The mites also received game programs, a Blue Jacket yearbook, and commemorative Future Jacket t-shirt. The game was officiated by Stinger, the Blue Jacket mascot.

The Bobcats were split into two teams and were handed Blue Jacket jerseys to face each other in an epic battle that ended in a 1-1 tie. Members of the white jersey team were: Dominic Norris, Finnegan Mitchell, Wyatt Wood, Moss Woods Loebker-Conrad, and Storm Walburn. Members of the blue jersey team were Henry Welsh, Bostic Eason, Jackson Kohn, Eli Kennedy, and A.J. Sammons. The game featured breakaways, nifty skating, and great saves. It was evident that these Future Jacket games are a fan favorite by the loud roars and applause for our Athens’ team performance. A.J. Sammons and Storm Walburn tended the nets for their perspective teams. Scoring goals in game were Finn Mitchell with a beautiful flip up shot on a breakaway and Jackson Kohn with just seconds left on the clock to tie the game with a rebound shot off the goalie’s pad. Mitchell received a Blue Jacket game puck for his efforts. Kohn was interviewed on the JumboTron as the “Star of the Game”. Fun was had by all of the participants.

The AYHA would like to thank the kind folks with the Columbus Blue Jackets that make the Future Jackets program possible. These events are very well organized and the people were very accommodating. Players and the parents had a great experience and enjoyed a terrific night of hockey. Go Bobcats and go Blue Jackets !!!!!