By Garrison McDaniel

The Columbus Blue Jackets are coming to Ohio Stadium March 1for a long-awaited outdoor game, but for one player it means more than just the game.

When the Blue Jackets host the Detroit Red Wings, Columbus native Sean Kuraly will play in front of a crowd he was a member of when he was growing up. Kuraly often attended Ohio State football games with his family and, like so many in Columbus, his Saturdays were devoted to football.

During the Ohio State-Iowa game on Oct. 5, Kuraly, his teammates and coaches experienced the 105,000 fans first hand when they were honored on the field during the second half of the game.

“To be around that and to be on the field, it really started to make me look forward to the game in March,” Kuraly said.

While Kuraly knew what to expect, his coach, Dean Evason got to experience the ‘Shoe in all its glory for the first time.

“It was the first time I've had the experience of being there live,” Evason said. “It's a very special place.”

To Kuraly, the game represents more than just the players on the ice. When he first saw the news of his team playing in the ‘Shoe his first thought was about the community that will join them for the game.

“I think those outdoor games are a celebration of the franchise, a celebration of the fans and everyone gets to get together and really celebrate what has been the Columbus Blue Jackets for the past 24 years,” Kuraly said.

This game is also extra motivation for the players who want to fill the ‘Shoe just as Ohio State football does every Saturday in the fall.

“What we are focused on is putting a good product on the ice and that can start for us now,” Kuraly said. “There's gonna be a big game for us in March in front of a lot of fans, so one foot in front of the other and try and do everything we can now to prepare ourselves for that game.”