More than 200 fans of the Columbus Blue Jackets voiced their dissatisfaction with the poor performance of the team under current ownership.
They gathered outside Nationwide Arena Saturday to say that while they love the team, they are not happy with the way it is being run. The protest came on the same day it was announced Columbus would be host to the NHL's 2013 All-Star Game.
Still, protesters said they do not feel the team ownership and management are committed to producing a winning team.
"I'm just tired of it. I used to have a saying that bad hockey is better than no hockey. I don't think so anymore. It's time to get these guys gone from top to bottom, including ownership, if that's what it takes," said fan and protester Greg Ward.
Fan Mark Stockdale agrees. Stockdale, who is from Hilliard, has been a season ticket holder for a decade. He says the hockey team needs people in management who actually know hockey.
"Some people who have a lot of experience to help cut down this learning curve we seem to be on for such a long time," Stockdale said.
CBJ currently has the worst record in the NHL and has only made it to the playoffs once in its 11-year franchise.
"They are a poor judge of talent. They've hired poor scouts from day one. Every time it's been time to make a crucial decision as in coaches, they make the wrong choice," Ward said.
CBJ director of media relations, Todd Sharrock, says team management values its fans' passion and their opinion which is why staff was out greeting protesters today.
"We felt it was important to show we hear them, we understand. The people that are out here are a big reason the All-Star Game is coming here next year, because we have a strong and passionate fan base," Sharrock said.
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