About the Program

Mission

As a non-profit 501-c3 organization, the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets program prides itself on being the premier youth hockey program in Ohio. With an every day mission to develop our student-athletes to reach their full potential on and off of the ice, the program aims to provide a healthy and safe environment for the elite player to grow as a player, person and teammate through the great game of hockey.

In 2004, the Ohio AAA Blue Jackets were established and became the first amateur hockey organization to be directly affiliated with a National Hockey League franchise. The program currently fields eight boys teams that compete at the highest level of USA Hockey from 10U to 18U. In 2022-23, we launched our girls program and now have girls teams competing at the 12U, 14U and 16U levels. We are proud members of the Tier I Elite Hockey League. Our national bound teams (13O-18U) compete each year in the Mid-American district with the opportunity to advance to the Tier I National Championships.

We are a development driven organization that supports and implements USA Hockey’s American Development Model (ADM). All of our head coaches have junior, collegiate and/or professional experience as a player and/or coach.

The program has produced seven homegrown NHL players (Connor Murphy, Sean Kuraly, Jack Roslovic, Kiefer Sherwood, Kole Sherwood, Justin Richards and Carson Meyer), CBJ draft pick and Cleveland Monsters coach Trent Vogelhuber and other NHL prospects such as Cole Cassels and Jerad Rosburg. In addition, the organization has helped advance hundreds of players to the junior, collegiate and professional levels. The impact of playing AAA hockey goes well beyond the ice, as our alumni have also gone on to achieve success in education, business, law enforcement, government, engineering and other well-respected industries all over the world.

To learn more about our alumni and their accomplishments, visit our alumni page.

Our Philosophy

Our focus is on the everyday process of development through relationships, teaching and challenging our players to be responsible and accountable for their attitude, effort and performance. We want our program to be represented by high character, competitive people that love the game and possess an internal drive to be great.

Each day, our players and coaches have the opportunity to get #OneDayBetter while recognizing that we are part of something bigger than just ourselves. As AAA Blue Jackets, we are all on a journey together and in relentless pursuit of our dreams! At the same time, this is about more than just hockey. We want to help develop leaders that will be successful in all facets of life.

With this holistic approach, we are building PRIDE in the program by keeping our focus on our guiding principles - process, respect, integrity, determination and excellence.

Player Development

Our holistic player development model focuses on growing all aspects of a young athlete's game.

Daily access to top notch coaching to develop their skills, understanding of the game and to help mentor our players both on and off of the ice.
Elite off-ice resources and partnerships with Donskov Strength & Conditioning and Orthopedic ONE
Average of 3 team practices per week and access to additional on-ice skills sessions
Partnership with The Prospect Exchange for shift breakdowns and video review

GREAT COMPETITION & HIGH EXPOSURE

We take great pride in constructing challenging schedules against other top teams in the country at all ages. In addition to being members of the T1EHL, the Mid-American district is one of the most competitive in the country.

We are fortunate to be located in the geographically friendly midwest and within reasonable driving distances to other NHL markets, NCAA schools and junior teams. This high exposure area allows for our players to showcase their game to scouts at the levels so that they can EARN THE OPPORTUNITY to play at the next level.

Notable Championships

2020-21 Mid-Am District Champions (18U)

2019-20 Mid-Am District Champions (15O)

2016-17 Mid-Am District Champions (18U)

2014-15 T1EHL Champions (18U)

2013-14 Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament Champions

2013-14 Mid-Am District Champions (16U)

2011-12 Mid-Am District Champions (14U)

2009-10 Mid-Am District Champions (12U)

2008-09 Mid-Am District Champions (16U)

Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament

Each season, our program aims to represent the Columbus Blue Jackets at the prestigious Quebec International Pee-Wee Tournament. The tournament is a once in a lifetime experience for players, coaches and families alike.

Our participation in this world class event has been highlighted by the 2001 birth year winning the tournament championship in 2014, and the 1997 and 2004 birth years advancing to the semi-finals in 2010 and 2017, respectively.

Anthony Vidrick was named the MVP of the Quebec Tournament in 2014 after leading the 2001 team to the championship. Vidrick's 12 points led the tournament and currently ranks 3rd all-time.