Everybody's got a story right?

For those that want to know more about me other than being "just a passionate hockey fan who loves the Columbus Blue Jackets" I have shared a little more background below!

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I was born in Italy the child of a US Army officer, grew up an Army brat and lived all over... mostly in the US.  My dad was stationed just north of Boston for a couple of years when the hockey Gods reached down from the sky and struck me with a bolt of Boston Bruins lightning.

The year was 1990 and I was in junior high school.  The Bruins had made a run all the way to the Cup finals only to be swept by the Messier led Edmonton Oilers.

That summer my dad retired back to Ohio but the foundation for my passion for this sport was layed.  I was able to keep up with the Bruins for the next several years with the assistance of a "modified" satellite dish.  NESN and TV38 were constants in the LTL household.

The heroes in those days?  Cam Neely (a.k.a Seabass!), Ray Bourque, Adam Oates & Andy Moog to name a few.  I even got to follow a future original Blue Jacket by the name of Steve Heinze as he broke into the league after the 1992 Winter Olympics.

I followed the Bs at a distance during my Army (yeah had to follow in the footsteps of the old man - be it National Guard) and college years as other "extracarricular" activities occupied my time but my passion for the game never waivered.

After my enlistment was up and college graduated it was a 1 year stop in Washington DC where I'd catch my share of Caps games and then it was off to Cincinnati for a few years with work, yet even more college and yes - my share of the now defunct AHL Mighty Ducks games.

The Jackets were preparing for their innagural season soon after and a good friend had nabbed me a ticket to the franchise opener.  I must say attending that game and seeing the development of the Arena District still stands as the hockey highlight of my life and was all it took to change my allegiance for good.

It's been Columbus Blue Jackets ever since although I'll always hold a soft spot for those Boston Bs.

I'm tellin ya, Adam Oates was the sickest passer you'd ever see... I digress.

Two year's later (and after many many road trips to Columbus) I convinced the then girlfriend to move Columbus to settle down... house, Chiller Adult Hockey League, marriage, season tickets and kids all followed (and in that order!).

We absolutely love the city and have not once ever regretted moving here.

This blog is by a fan for the fans and is a fun way for me as a fan to share in the highs and lows of not only professional hockey in Columbus, but all levels of hockey here.

I have no connections... no insights... I'm just a regular guy whose probably sitting next to you with a beer in hand giving it to some obnoxious Wings fan.   This is my view from the cheap seats.

I love doing this blog and am thrilled to see how many other passionate hockey fans there are here in Columbus!

I want to sincerely thank everyone who stops by and checks out LTL... this new lamp wouldn't be possible without your support!

-LTL

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