Feature Photo: Getty Images
Whether he’s wearing hockey gear, a suit or a Donald Duck costume, Boone Jenner has knack for making a difference.
The captain of the Columbus Blue Jackets, known for his excellent playmaking abilities, has posted seven assists in four games – all Columbus wins. The latest win in a Stadium Series matchup against the Detroit Red Wings, was especially meaningful for Jenner.
The 43rd outdoor game in league history was Columbus’ first and played in front of a sold-out crowd of 94,751 at Ohio Stadium, where Jenner posted a pair of assists in a 5-3 Blue Jackets victory. Aside from the valuable two points Columbus picked up, he also helped announce a $600,000 pediatric cancer research grant for Nationwide Children's Hospital in Ohio through Hockey Fights Cancer and the V Foundation for Cancer Research, which will support Dr. Margot Lazow's work on brain and spine tumors.
In between media interviews, team practice and a family skate, Jenner also met with a family heavily impacted by cancer.
Seven-year-old Will was diagnosed with stage 4 kidney cancer in 2020. In late 2019, his grandfather, Bill Nirote, was diagnosed with prostate cancer. During Will’s treatment in September 2020, his father, Jon, was also diagnosed with stage 1 testicular cancer.
Spending time with Will and his family, making visits to local hospitals, fan interactions – all are meaningful for Boone. Will, who served as the Blue Jackets’ honorary captain at a January home game, took part in the Blue Jackets' Learn to Play program and is currently playing in the Blue Jackets Hockey League, his dad Jon and his grandfather Bill are all in remission.
“I take a lot away from those moments – it puts life into perspective. We are in a position where we can go and cheer up someone who is going through something difficult, to try and put a smile on their face. For me, those are the true warriors, people who are going through something incredibly tough.
“Seeing what they are going through, listening to their stories – that inspires me.”
Over the course of what’s been a tumultuous year for the Blue Jackets, between the loss of the Gaudreau brothers and injuries to key players during the season, their leader has been helping his teammates navigate with a steady voice while showing up for them off the ice, too.
As Johnny Gaudreau, Jr.'s first birthday approached on Feb. 22, Jenner and his wife Maggie focused on one thing – bringing a smile to the youngster's face.
“We think about them all the time,” Jenner spoke of Johnny and Matthew Gaudreau. “They are never out of our thoughts. Playing with Johnny here in Columbus was something I will aways treasure.”
Meredith Gaudreau, who is pregnant with her and Johnny’s third child – they also have a two-year-old daughter, Noa – lives across the street from the Jenners.
On Johnny Jr.'s birthday, Meredith answered the door to find Boone in a unique outfit.
“We've spent a lot of time over there with Meredith and the kids," said Jenner, who has played all 719 of his NHL games with the Blue Jackets. “Johnny Jr. loves ducks, and with the party being duck-themed, my wife and I thought he'd enjoy seeing Donald Duck. It took him a little bit to warm up, but it was all good – he enjoyed it.”
For those who know the 31-year-old well, the decision to don a Donald Duck costume was no surprise.
“A great leader, teammate, and friend,” said Blue Jackets’ forward and alternate captain Sean Kuraly. “As solid as they come.”
That widespread respect throughout the locker room was evident even after Jenner was sidelined before Columbus’ first regular-season game of the 2024-25 campaign.
A preseason shoulder injury – he slid into the boards during a preseason practice Oct. 4 – required surgery and caused him to miss the Blue Jackets’ first 56 games of the season.
Jenner’s absence from the lineup was deflating for both the player and the team.
“There were times when it felt like forever,” he said of his time out of the lineup. “But when you know it is getting closer to getting back out there, the excitement builds for sure.”
On Feb. 22, Jenner made his long-awaited return action in his first game of the season against the Chicago Blackhawks. In just under 17 minutes of ice time, Jenner registered an assist, recorded a shot on net, and finished with a plus-2 rating in a dominant 5-1 Columbus victory.
“His consistency and work ethic coupled with his talent make him one of best leaders I’ve been lucky enough to be around,” praised Kuraly. “You are never wondering what you are going to get from Boone.”
Despite it all, the team that was not expected to make the playoffs by most prognosticators ahead of the season has found a way to be in the Eastern Conference post-season mix.
“This group is as resilient as you will ever find,” noted Boone. “We have found a way to gather strength and belief in ourselves – this is a team that just won’t quit. We are so lucky to have the guys we do,” said Jenner.
They, in turn, are fortunate to have No. 38 in the fold.
Jenner, who has scored at least 22 goals in each of the past three seasons, is the epitome of a well-rounded forward. Along with his presence on power play and penalty kill situations, his 20:06 of average ice time in 2023-24 led all Columbus forwards. The 37th overall pick of the Blue Jackets in 2011 also holds status as Columbus' all-time leader in games played (719) and ranks third in goals (192) and points (371).
But Jenner has always been more than just a numbers guy.
In 2019-2020, Jenner was named Community MVP for the Blue Jacket, recognizing him as a player who demonstrates leadership, service and dedication.
His impact on the Blue Jackets, on and off the ice, and in the Columbus community, is invaluable.
“He’s always giving it his all and competes with the best of them,” said Kuraly. “It’s not hard to want to follow a guy like Boone.”
