Over the years, Central Ohio hockey has celebrated numerous significant milestones that highlight its impressive growth and development.
As the Blue Jackets embark on their 24th season, the local hockey community has flourished remarkably. This area, once lacking the necessary infrastructure to cultivate elite players three decades ago, now consistently produces talent that successfully transitions to high-level junior hockey, prestigious college programs, and even professional leagues.
Blue Jackets forward Sean Kuraly, a native of Dublin, recognizes that this success is the result of collaborative efforts from the entire community. Growing up, he idolized local stars like Rick Nash, Jody Shelley, and Derek Dorsett, who dazzled fans on the ice at Nationwide Arena.
Kuraly reached a notable career milestone of 500 games in a nail-biting 5-4 shootout victory against Carolina, showcasing not only his individual achievement but also serving as a beacon of what young players from Columbus can aspire to become.
Central Ohio is not just nurturing aspiring NHL players; it is also cultivating talents who can sustain lengthy careers at the sport’s highest levels. This evolving cycle inspires local youth to understand the possibilities that arise from dedication, commitment, and utilizing the resources available to them.
And as Kuraly reflects, the most exciting era for Central Ohio hockey might still be ahead.
“You don’t think about it that much, but it crossed my mind the other day,” he said. “There are groups of kids trying to do the same thing I’m doing. I’m certain there will be plenty more to do it and do it much better. I think (the guys who came before) are proud of inspiring someone like me. I think I can be proud inspiring the next wave.”
Kuraly’s achievement was particularly poignant, as he reached this milestone at Nationwide Arena alongside his close friend and former teammate, Jack Roslovic, who is just 35 games away from his own 500-game mark as a member of the Hurricanes. Roslovic, also a Columbus native, netted his 12th goal of the season, illustrating the ongoing success of local players.
The day prior to this thrilling game, Ed Gingher, the president and founder of Ohio AAA Blue Jackets, was present at the arena, underscoring the strong community support surrounding the sport and its players.
Reflecting on his youth, Kuraly recalls the profound impact of watching Blue Jackets games at Nationwide Arena, where the players he admired transitioned from idols to mentors and friends throughout his career.
“We’ve been inspired by the players that have come before us,” he expressed. “We’re the first group of kids that had this organization and players like Rick and the guys like Jody and Dorse and (Jared Boll) and all the guys that played here before us. We’re the first ones that are benefitting by being inspired by former Blue Jackets, and hopefully we’re doing our part to do the same.”
Kuraly is not the first AAA Blue Jackets product to hit the 500-game milestone; Connor Murphy, now with Chicago, holds that distinction. However, Kuraly is the first to achieve this while donning the Columbus Blue Jackets uniform, providing even greater local significance to his accomplishment.
Growing up immersed in hockey, Kuraly learned the sport from his father, Rick Kuraly, who set records during his four-season tenure at Miami University, where he remains the program’s all-time leader in goals scored. Despite his rich hockey background and training, Kuraly admits he never imagined he would enjoy a long-lasting NHL career, a realization he values greatly.
“I don’t think so,” Kuraly said. “You don’t know if you’re going to play one NHL game. To play 500 is pretty cool. It’s a challenge. This league, they don’t just let you hang around because you’ve played this many games. It’s something that hopefully I can continue to do and continue to hang around and have a positive impact on my team. That’s my biggest focus.”
How does Sean Kuraly view his role in inspiring the next generation of hockey players?
**Interview with Sean Kuraly, Blue Jackets Forward**
**Interviewer:** Thank you for joining us today, Sean. As the Columbus Blue Jackets enter their 24th season, can you share your thoughts on how far the Central Ohio hockey community has come over the past three decades?
**Sean Kuraly:** Absolutely, it’s been incredible to see the growth. When I was growing up, we didn’t have the same resources or infrastructure for hockey that we have today. Now, we consistently produce talented players who are making the jump to juniors, college, and even the NHL. It feels like we’re on the cusp of something really special here in Central Ohio.
**Interviewer:** It must be inspiring to witness this talent development firsthand. What role do you think the community has played in your journey and in the journeys of other local players?
**Sean Kuraly:** The community has been everything. The support from local programs, coaches, and families has helped create an environment where young players can thrive. I grew up idolizing local stars like Rick Nash and Jody Shelley, and their success laid the groundwork for what we see today. It’s a cycle—seeing those who came before me has motivated not just me, but countless others to pursue this dream.
**Interviewer:** You recently celebrated a personal milestone of playing 500 games in the NHL. How did it feel to reach this achievement, especially in a game against Carolina at Nationwide Arena?
**Sean Kuraly:** It was surreal. To hit that milestone at home and in a close game that went to a shootout was special. It reminded me of all the hard work along the way, and it’s a testament to the journey I’ve taken with my teammates and the support from fans. I think of all the kids out there watching and hoping they can achieve similar milestones someday.
**Interviewer:** You mentioned the next generation of players coming up. How do you see your role in inspiring them?
**Sean Kuraly:** I hope to be a positive example for young players. Just as I looked up to players from my background, I want to show them that it’s possible to reach their dreams. There are so many talented kids out there, and I truly believe that some of them will not only follow in our footsteps but exceed what we’ve done. That’s exciting for all of us in the hockey community.
**Interviewer:** Just before your milestone game, Ed Gingher was there, the founder of Ohio AAA Blue Jackets. How important are organizations like this in fostering local talent?
**Sean Kuraly:** Very important. Ed and his organization have been pivotal in creating competitive opportunities for young athletes. The structure they provide helps develop not only players’ skills but also their love for the game. It’s crucial for community involvement to ensure that hockey continues to grow here.
**Interviewer:** Lastly, you mentioned that the most exciting era for Central Ohio hockey might still be ahead. What gives you confidence in that statement?
**Sean Kuraly:** Look at the talent coming through, the growing interest in the sport, and the support for our team. Every year, we see more kids getting into hockey, which means more potential future stars. I believe the best is yet to come for Central Ohio hockey, and I can’t wait to see what happens next.
**Interviewer:** Thank you, Sean, for sharing your insights and experiences with us. Your journey is truly inspiring, and we look forward to seeing more milestones from you and your teammates.
**Sean Kuraly:** Thank you for having me! It’s great to share the story of our community and the sport we all love.