Power Play Challenge Expands Across Central Ohio
Since its launch in 2017, the Columbus Blue Jackets' Power Play Challenge has evolved from a modest pilot into a district‑wide initiative that now serves 186 elementary schools and more than 55,900 students across Central Ohio.
The program delivers a free, hockey‑themed wellness curriculum that aligns with Ohio’s physical‑education standards, equipping teachers with lesson plans, sticks, nets and other gear needed to introduce street hockey to children in grades two through five.
Physical‑education teacher Rick Armstrong, who has been involved with the challenge for seven years, says the hands‑on workshops have been pivotal in building confidence among educators and creating a consistent experience for students.
Rewards That Motivate
Participants earn a CBJ bracelet for each of five progressive challenges, and those who complete the full set receive a special ticket offer for a Blue Jackets game, while the top‑performing grade at each school is invited on a field trip to the OhioHealth Chiller ice rink.
Beyond the incentives, the initiative has sparked a noticeable rise in youth hockey enrollment, reinforcing the league’s broader goal of fostering active, healthy lifestyles among children.