COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Rick Nash and Aaron Johnson, former professional hockey players and teammates with the Columbus Blue Jackets, have found a new passion in life after their NHL careers: being hockey dads. The two met at a Hockey Canada training camp and have since made Columbus their home, where they are now watching their sons become teammates on the ice.
Aaron Johnson expressed his joy, saying, “It’s just a great experience” to see his son grow up alongside Nash’s children. Nash added, “We’ve obviously kind of grown up together and, you know, shared different life experiences along the way. And now part of that is raising our kids together and putting them in the minor hockey system here around Columbus.”
Both Nash and Johnson are actively involved in coaching and developing young hockey talent in the city. Nash recalled, “When I first got to town in 2002, you didn’t really hear much about kids playing hockey… So for me to give back and to have my kids involved, it’s important.”
Johnson emphasized the opportunities available for young players in Columbus, stating, “I think for any kid growing up in Columbus there’s an opportunity here and, you know, what better dream for a kid to be able to play in his hometown.”
As the Columbus Blue Jackets celebrate 25 years of NHL hockey, Nash has observed a significant increase in youth hockey participation and a growing demand for ice time, not only for hockey but also for figure skating and speed skating. Nash humorously noted that while he tried to get his daughter into hockey, she preferred to support from the stands due to the equipment involved.