First Media Day For Columbus Blue Jackets Nick Blankenburg! 4/11/22

Today, our brand new University of Michigan NHL players took to the ice for their first practice, then to the podium for their first Columbus Blue Jackets Media Interviews.   This blog post is devoted to the second player to speak today, former University of Michigan Hockey Captain, Nick Blankenburg!

"Happy to be here and thankful to be out there."  Is what Blankenburg said regarding his first practice today with the Columbus Blue Jackets team.  This was the end of his reply to Jeff Svoboda's question asking about how the day went.  In his full answer though, this line stood out most to me.  

When asked "what this was like for him" by another female reporter, his response started out with "for any kid it's a dream come true".  I think that sums his joy of being here up nicely.  He went on to mention how great it was that his first time watching the Columbus Blue Jackets was against his home team, the Detroit Red Wings.  He mentioned that this is "a great opportunity".  In addition though he showed his focus, stating how he didn't look toward the NHL while playing with the University of Michigan, but instead focusing on what he was doing in the moment, hockey wise.  

He was "a little bit" when asked about his first NHL practice, then stated it was a "good day".   He also complemented his new teammates, stating that the Blue Jackets are "good with the puck" as well.

As with Kent Johnson, he was also asked what it was like to have a teammate along for the ride, so to speak.  In part he said:  "It's just nice to have somebody else to do it with here".  Mentioning he doesn't want to set "30 alarms".  So, the man has a sense of humor!  

I also find it fun to mention that this young man will be graduating from college this semester.  He did mention the need to work in a "10 page paper" though.  Been there and done that, I wish him luck!  Those are rough I know and I wasn't juggling being a pro-athlete.        

The former University of Michigan Captain was also asked by a reporter, "what makes him (Kent Johnson) so special?"  Nick Blankenburg summed it up at the end of his answer this way.  "His deception, and his skating and his shot."  I can't wait to see this play out.  

When asked about his road to the NHL, by Jeff Svoboda I believe, he hinged on "believing in myself and having that belief, it has really helped me a lot along the way."  I understand that he's 23-years-old, but if you didn't know that you'd believe both Johnson and himself were older, for how focused and wise they sound already.  He ended this question by saying "work as hard as I can."  Furthering it with, "if I'm not having fun, then why am I playing?"  He also spoke highly of his former teammates at the University of Michigan.  I strongly suggest you listen to his words, their incredibly heartfelt and those of a true leader who deserved to be Captain.  

Also, we just heard about the interest in Blankenburg when he signed days ago.  However, when asked about when he first was talked to by our Columbus Blue Jackets he mentioned it to be back  "around Christmas time".  So, if you're curious, that's how far in advance the Blue Jackets General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen and his men work!  He stated that those who represent our team "really cared and really genuinely cared".  A huge complement.     

He was also asked about the big moments he wanted to tell his family about.  At this time he thanked his parents for all they had done.  Then, he mentioned how he brother wanted to know "what it was like to meet Patrick Laine".  Personally, I'd ask my brother the same thing!  

He also said when asked about a "chip on his shoulder" by Adam Portzline, that being on the smaller side that "not being afraid to play physical" has helped his game a lot.  Don't count him out, 5th Line, he's ready to go!

Interesting enough, Nick Blankenburg also didn't dodge a question regarding being asked to play in the NHL prior to this season.  He stated that:  "Obviously being a Michigan guy I wanted to a be the Captain of Michigan my senior year and get my degree" (in part he thought about this question as he answered, so a few pauses happened during this answer).  However, when explaining why he turned such an offer down, again I can't believe he's 23 and at the time of this decision, he was likely only 22 years of age.  To return to your team and decline the NHL, that says a lot about Blankenburg's character, I think.    

When asked why this team stood out,  He liked Kekalainen and the representation this team has.  Further, the "culture their trying to build" along with "they want guys who can compete". Which Blankenburg said "that's the way I play."  Perfect! 

Fanbase?   "he's really looking forward to it."  This is in regard to the fans at Nationwide Arena and the city of Columbus as a whole.

He also can't wait to "pick his brain" in regard to now Fellow Defender, Zach Werenski.  Again, can you really blame him?  That would be my first stop if I played Defense!  

Welcome to the Columbus Blue Jackets, Nick Blankenburg!

A few notes about this post.  First, I did my best here but Blankenburg does seem to talk a bit faster than Johnson, so just keep that in mind if maybe a quote has an added "uh", "um" or other word in the mix.  This was his first interview and the same could be said for Johnson as well.  Also, I'm going to mention this to the Blue Jackets on their twitter.  I wish the reporters said who they were before they spoke.  This is typical in football, but doesn't seem to be in the NHL.  I got lucky that they went to Zoom and mentioned Adam Portzline.  Everyone else doesn't say their name, which I hate as I can't give them credit for their questions!  So, if anyone reads this who is in that room, please tell them to do this so we know who's asking the great questions.  

Source:  

Columbus Blue Jackets.  "Kent Johnson, Nick Blankenburg Media Availability." Twitter, Columbus Blue Jackets Official Twitter Page, 11 Apr. 2022, Kent Johnson, Nick Blankenburg Media Availability."  (https://twitter.com/i/broadcasts/1DXxyDEwrDLJM)