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COLUMBUS WELCOMES MARK HOWE TO THE FOLD AND HIS EXTENDED FAMILY, WELCOMES THE OPPORTUNITY As the Blue Jackets transitioned in a different direction towards the end of last season and into the off-season, it always looked like the bench boss wouldn’t change and then it did suddenly. One thing is for sure, in my years following the NFHL and Columbus, nothing is certain until it happens and pen is put to paper. Enter Mark Howe into the fold as the new head coach of the Columbus Blue Jackets and GM Bonanni could not be happier that they were able to agree on a 2 year contract (exact salary cannot be confirmed but it is believed to be in line with other coaches in the league). Howe comes to Ohio with a pedigree of being a hard nosed player with an intense side and competitive edge based on how he played on the ice and watching his Dad, Gordie Howe ply his trade and win not only individual accolades but also seeing team success through championships. We asked Coach Howe how he feels about the new opportunity and what he might expect from the team that is a bit of a mix of youth, rookies and veterans alike. “Well Sid, when I was first approached by GM Bonanni about the possibility of coaching the Blue Jackets, I thought he was pulling my leg. We have always had a good friendship and he is always joking around how we should work together so he can boss me around. Then when my agent called me and said we have an offer for a head coaching job I was like, 'Is it Columbus?' He said 'How did you know?' I said 'I had a feeling' (as he chuckled telling the story). "I had a feeling it was from the Blue Jackets when I heard that things were not going well with Ronnie Low and their negotiations. So when the offer came, it was a pretty quick decision for me based on my relationship with Bonanni and my desire to be behind a bench. I also knew that this was a good fit for me based on the composition of this team and just helping them develop and grow into a potential championship team. Obviously, we are a ways away from that at this point but based on my discussions with the GM and talking to some older veterans I know this was a good group and a classy organization." We asked Mark how he is settling in? "Well Sid, it’s been a bit of whirlwind at this point. The family will be staying back in Ontario for now as the kids are in school so we don’t want to disrupt their routine for now. But the plan is to buy a place down here and have all of us together. There is a lot going on now with the season getting underway we will give it some time to get settled. As I said, I am really excited to be here and help this group out and secondly, the family has been here and spent some time in the area so far and they are excited to move here. The people have been great and friendly and have been asking me when we will win the championship. You can tell the fans will be great and are passionate which for me is even more of a desire to put my heart and soul into this opportunity every day."
Sid Dithers |