Tonight's Big Win.....Ryan in the media.

Ryan continues to get media exposure across Columbus. Channel 10 spent the day with Ryan and will do a story on him tomorrow during the 5:30 news. It will air around 5:50. Jeff Hogan was the reporter doing the story. Ryan met Jeff at the beginning of his media tour when he and JoAnn Malhotra did an interview for the Blue Jackets Fashion Show. This piece will also air during Blue Jackets Live before the game on Saturday in Nashville. It is possible that WBNS will run this story on Wall to Wall Sports this weekend.

Jarrod Smalley did an interview with Ryan, Kris Russell and Jason Chimera in the locker room after tonight's game. I am not sure if it will air tonight or tomorrow.

Larry Larson would like Ryan to join him on 610 WTVN on Sunday morning. If everything goes as planned, Ryan will be on the radio around 11:15 to 11:20.

Ryan continues to draw strength from the relationship with the Blue Jackets and from witnessing the banter between the guys and Ryan, they are drawing strength from him.

Since I posted twice today....another note on the #3 Jersey's.

Wendy Bradshaw and Kate Furman have set up an order form off of the Foundation website. I have included the link below. Once you click this link, then look for the Salmons #3 Jersey link. You can call the foundation, fax, or email the completed form back to them. Please order your jersey's directly from the foundation. This will allow you to use debit or credit cards. That was one of the issues we had been trying to work out. They have assured me they will be done on a priority basis as many of you want Ryan to sign them.
http://www.bluejacketsfoundation.org/shop.aspx
All proceeds from the jersey sales will be donated to the Foundation to support Pediatric Cancer. As you all may know, I support the work that they do with all the families from J5.
-Brad

Team Photo 2009 CBJ with Ryan

The newest photo of the 2009 Blue Jackets. Please note the guy standing behind Steve Mason on the front left. Yes, that would be MY SON! Ryan had the opportunity to join the Jackets at their photo shoot yesterday. He was thrilled that they included him. Yesterday was a tough day, so I am glad that they brighten it up a little.

As for the jersey's, Wendy Bradshaw and Kate Furman have set up an order form off of the Foundation website. I have included the link below. Once you click this link, then look for the Salmons #3 Jersey link. Please order your jersey's directly from the foundation. This will allow you to use debit or credit cards. That was one of the issues we had been trying to work out. They have assured me they will be done on a priority basis as many of you want Ryan to sign them.

http://www.bluejacketsfoundation.org/shop.aspx

All proceeds from the jersey sales will be donated to the Foundation to support Pediatric Cancer. As you all may know, I support the work that they do with all the families from J5.

I want to thank everyone for your support of Ryan. I know as a father I have learned a lot from him.

-Brad

Ryan on ESPN!

Ryan got another opportunity to do something really cool. After the Columbus Dispatch wrote the article about the CBJ signing the most impactful player of the year, ESPN had to have him on their network. Ok, he may not have taken the ice, but you can't deny that the Jackets played the most inspired hockey of the year last night. And I will believe that the signing of Ryan had something to do with it.

So, the interview came together very fast and I didn't get a chance to post anything, so as usual, the CBJ comes through and puts a link to the story on the website. Please view the link below and enjoy seeing our favorite CBJ player! (Jason, we are talking about Ryan!)

http://bluejackets.nhl.tv/team/console.jsp?catid=705&id=37893

I will post something tomorrow about the Jersey's and what we can do for the foundation. But these will be a neat tribute to Ryan and a way to help the community in honor of him.
-Brad

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