Pascal Vincent Becomes the Next Head Coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets

You all have come to know my blog as a place full of facts and optimism for our Ohio NHL Team. Today, that will not change. Allegations were made against the newly hired Mike Babcock. These Allegations have not really been confirmed or denied, and at times player accounts in the organization have differed as well. That said, the fact is simple: Mike Babcock has resigned as the Columbus Blue Jackets Head Coach and Pascal Vincent has been promoted to the position. This blog will be about him as we must focus on the present. The 2023-24 NHL Season is too close to look back, it's again that simple. So, let's discuss Head Coach Pascal Vincent. 

Pascal Vincent isn't new to being a head coach. For several seasons, Vincent was the Head Coach of the Manitoba Moose' he led the team to a winning season in 2017-18 that gifted him with the AHL's Coach of the Year recognition. Between the Winnipeg Jets and then the Columbus Blue Jackets, Vincent has also worked for many seasons as an Assistant Head Coach in the NHL. Further, last season when the current Head Coach, Brad Larson, had a death in his family, he took over coaching the Blue Jackets for a few games. The most notable was a painful loss to the Vegas Golden Nights. That said, they did go on to win the Stanley Cup after 6 Seasons as an established franchise. So, maybe we let that one slide. The game after, though, was one of the best games the Blue Jackets played all season. They took the Alex Ovechkin and his Washington Capitals to a 6-6 Overtime and then won 7-6 in Washington. That is no small accomplishment, losing season or not! Being put in a head coaching position at a moment's notice, due to your head coach having to step away for family matters, I think says a lot about a coach's abilities. If that Washington game is an indicator of what Vincent can do when in charge of this team, I have confidence this controversy and coaching chance could turn into something good for this franchise and fanbase. That said, only time will tell...and we don't have long to wait. I'm confident time played a factor in Vincent being promoted. He's already here in Columbus, and doesn't have to gain our player's trust; he already has it. Mix this with him stepping up last season when Larson had to step away and he's the ideal choice moving forward. 

Today is Media Day for the Columbus Blue Jackets, and Training Camp 2023 does begin this week, too. It's like we've longed for hockey for so long and, poof, it's finally here! The young players put on an incredible show this past weekend in the Traverse City Tournament. Many had their first goals, Adam Fantilli scored a hattrick, it was an exciting weekend full of both player and game wins. It's an impressive way to start the preseason, no doubt. I know coaching has changed a lot and that's been a bit frustrating. That said, the men we will see on the ice have only changed for the better in the offseason. I know the returning players and first-time players want to put last season behind them and find a way to the postseason again. It all starts with forming that 2023-24 Columbus Blue Jackets Team; a process already underway! I ask you, please, don't get caught up in the drama of the past. Be here now for a ride unlike any other, one only fresh ice at Nationwide Arean can provide. If this team has players, coaches, and fans willing to give it their all in the name of claiming Lord Stanley's Cup someday, anything is possible. I can't promise you much, but that I will always be sure of. 

Go CBJ and welcome Head Coach Pascal Vincent! 

May your two-year contract be just the beginning.