Official Press Release....

For those of you wondering, the official press release is listed below.

So many of you have asked and called about getting jerseys, we are in the process of creating a jersey for the first ever foundation signing. I hope to have more details on it today, but all proceeds will go to The Blue Jackets Foundation to fight pediatric cancer.

-Brad

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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: MARCH 25, 2009

COLUMBUS BLUE JACKETS SIGN VERSATILE DEFENSEMAN RYAN SALMONS
Hard-hitting blueliner from Central Ohio can also play forward and will wear No. 3 for the club

COLUMBUS, OHIO — The Columbus Blue Jackets have signed defenseman Ryan Salmons, a Central Ohio native and former Hilliard High School hockey star, club General Manager Scott Howson announced today. As is club policy, terms of the deal were not disclosed.
"We’re very pleased to add a player of Ryan’s caliber to our hockey club as he brings tremendous versatility to our lineup and can play either wing position or defense," said Howson. "He also has great character and is the type of person who inspires others with his courage, tenacity and positive attitude. We’re lucky to have him on our team."
Salmons (pronounced SAL-muhns) began skating at the Chiller Ice Rinks when he was 10-years-old and began playing hockey at age 13 for the Hilliard Southwest club team. By 16, he was a star on the junior varsity squad. Initially a forward, as he grew and matured physically he moved to defense. His reckless and intimidating style of play resulted in numerous injuries – a separated shoulder and concussion to name a few – but also fed his passion and love of the game.
He has worn No. 3 throughout his hockey career in honor of his all-time favorite NASCAR driver Dale Earnhardt. Blue Jackets defenseman Marc Methot currently wears No. 3, but has agreed to turn it over to Salmons. "I typically wouldn’t give up my number, but it is a small price to pay to add a player like Ryan to our team," said Methot. "The bottom line is he is going to help us win hockey games and that is all that matters."
Salmons is no stranger to the CBJ organization as he has attended numerous games at Nationwide Arena, including a game against Phoenix in which he met Coyotes Head Coach and Hall of Fame player Wayne Gretzky. He has also been active in Blue Jackets Foundation events such as the Black Tie. Blue Jackets. Fashion Show and the Flashes of Hope photo shoot.
"I know a lot of guys on the team already, including Manny Malhotra and Jason Chimera, and I’m really looking forward to playing with Jason as he is probably my favorite player," said Salmons. "He is known as one of the NHL’s fastest skaters, but I just hope he will be able to keep up with me when we’re on the ice together."
"I’m definitely excited about playing with Ryan," said Chimera. "He just needs to make sure he puts the puck on my stick when I call for it. As long he does that, I’ll score the goals and he can pick up a few assists along the way."
The Blue Jackets return to action Thursday when they host the Calgary Flames. Game time from Nationwide Arena is 7 p.m. ET. Live coverage on FOX Sports Ohio will begin with the Blue Jackets Live pre-game show starting at 6:30 p.m. The game also will be broadcast live on the Wheeling Island Hotel Casino Blue Jackets Radio Network and flagship stations WBNS-AM/Sports Radio 1460 The Fan and WWCD-FM/CD101 beginning at 6:30 p.m.
Tickets for 2008-09 regular season home games are on sale now at the Nationwide Arena Ticket Office, FOX Sports Ohio Blue Line at The Mall at Tuttle Crossing, The Chiller Ice Rinks and all Ticketmaster Ticket Centers. Fans can purchase tickets by phone at (800) 745-3000 or online at www.BlueJackets.com and www.ticketmaster.com. For information on group tickets, call (614) 246-PUCK or 800-NHL-COLS.

The Newest Blue Jacket

Scott Howson, Ryan Salmons, Manny Malhotra and Jason Chimera

A formal announcement will be posted later, but The Columbus Blue Jackets signed Ryan Salmons today. Terms of the deal were not disclosed per The Blue Jackets policy. Several special considerations were negotiated into the contract, but the most important aspect of the contract was the negotiation with Mark Methot. Ryan has acquired the rights to wear the number 3.

Click here to view more photos of the press conference. A huge thank you goes out to Scott Howson, Wendy Bradshaw and the Blue Jackets Foundation for making this happen.

-Brad

Wednesday 3/25/2009, Midday

Ryan is resting at home. The medicines are providing the relief the doctors had hoped, and he is doing rather well. Though it has been tough on Susan and me to administer the meds etc., but bringing Ryan home was the right decision for his mental health. Our extended family appreciate all the kind words, comments and prayers. Ryan has enjoyed being at home and sleeping in his own bed.

I have several posts I need to get out as I want to share some of the talks that Ryan and I have been able to have over the past day or so at home. Please know that Ryan appreciated every ones response to his wish to see his friends, but we didn't know the toll so many people coming through would have on him. But, he is doing well and we are getting quality time with him.

We have one more trick up our sleeve, and I hope to post some information about it later today.
-Brad

Change of Plans - Ryan's Going Home

Hi everyone. It's Uncle Barry again. Just wanted to let everyone know there has been a change of plans. As I type this message, Ryan is headed home. Medical arrangements are being made to make sure he comfortable and has all of the medical care he needs during this time. It is very important for him to be at home. Please continue all of your prayers during this storm.
God Bless, Barry

Leave a Smile - A pleasant surprise today!

Uncle Barry here. Just a quick update for now. Brad will update the blog later this evening on Ryan's condition.

As they were changing Ryan's port he was allowed to go outside for 30 minutes without being connected to anything. During this time, Brad was able to arrange a quick surprise for Ryan. Over the weekend Ryan has asked several times about being able to go outside and look at all of the bikes. I think we all expected 4 or 5 Harleys to show up but there were many, many more. Thank you to all the great folks at Leave A Mark Church. Today they left a great smile on Ryan's face and a bunch of teary eyes to all of Ryan's supporters. Here are a couple shots.

Friday Morning Update

I want to thank all of Ryan's friends who have responded to Ryan's request. The support that you have shown him is absolutely incredible. Ryan has enjoyed seeing many friends over the past two days. Ryan has stayed stable over the past day. He continues to have long term recall but the short term memory has been affected. His pain has been under control during this time.

Now comes the hard part of this post. Balancing Ryan's wishes verses his medical care. Many people have responded and it is taking a toll on Ryan both mentally and physically. Some of his friends will just be getting back to town this weekend. We want to balance the visitors, medical care and family needs at this time. I in no way am asking people to stay away at this time, but please understand if we have to limit visitors so some of his friends that have been away and not seen him get a chance to see him. Also, we have out of town family and friends coming in this weekend. Please understand this is a tough situation and a new area we are walking into.

Please feel free to call ahead to see if it is a good time, or please don't be upset if you may not be able to see him due to his medical needs.

Thanks to all for the prayers and support during this most difficult time.
-Brad

A Father's Ramblings on The Hardest Post and Day of My Life

Today's post, I don't even know where to begin. Today has been a blur, and an eternity all in the same day. You only get once chance to make your statement, but words can't describe the emotions today. I can't put my feelings in words today. I have intended to update the blog as early as 10 am this morning, but here it is at 11 pm and I am just now getting the chance to do so. Between phone calls, friends, doctors, decisions that need to be made quickly that have such a long term lasting impact, you understand why the blog is so late today.

The results of the MRI came back this morning around 8:30 am. It was the result that any parent dreads. "I am sorry but the cancer has relapsed and we believe that nothing further can be done to save your child." Even though you had prepared yourself for the news, you never quite really believe it when you hear it for real. Any treatment at this point will only postpone the outcome, not improve the quality of life, and cause prolonged suffering. How can you even consider continuing?

By noon, after much consultation and an unbelievable conversation with Ryan, we have decided that we will no longer be treating him. We will be managing his pain, and praying for a pain free and peaceful conclusion to a long hard year. Many options, trials, etc. were researched but in the end, the options just were not there. This is something I hope you or anyone you know will never have to go through.

Hopefully tomorrow I will feel more like writing to keep you updated. Though we are totally at peace with our decision, I just can't put into words the feelings of loss and hurt that I am experiencing.
-Brad