The Dispatch wrote Blue Jackets’ opener a celebration of Mr. Mac 

Friday, October 17, 2008

BY AARON PORTZLINE

Last May 6, 11 days after John H. McConnell’s death, the Blue Jackets held a memorial in a dark, somber Nationwide Arena to honor the business pioneer, philanthropist, team founder and principal owner.

Tonight, McConnell’s name and legacy again will be lifted up in the same venue, but this time against the loud, frenetic backdrop of the Blue Jackets’ 2008-09 home opener.

McConnell had attended each home opener since the Blue Jackets joined the NHL in 2000 as an expansion franchise.

The doors will open at 5:30 p.m. tonight — 30 minutes earlier than usual — and fans will be presented a “JHM” ball cap as they enter. (McConnell, seated in his box above Nationwide, rarely was seen without a cap.)

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