Despite Hitchcock… Columbus Bleak, Jaded

On Wednesday, the Columbus Blue Jackets retained Coach Ken Hitchcock. Hitchcock signed a three-year contract. “This is a challenge I want badly,” Hitchcock said. “I want to be the coach that takes this team to the highest level. I don't just want to be a coach who hops on the bandwagon of a team that's already emerged. I want to be on the building side of things, from the ground floor up. We're really looking forward to what's going to take place here.”

During his career, Hitchcock has logged a 470-292-88-51 ledger. In Dallas (503 games), he accrued a 277-154-60-12 record. In Philadelphia (254 games), he amassed a 131-73-28-22 record. In Columbus (144 games), he assembled a 62-65-17 record. “I don't think there's anyone in the hockey industry who wouldn't have Hitch at the top or near the top of the list of coaches,” said General Manager Scott Howson. “This is a really critical step for us, to have some stability and credibility at the head coaching position. It's a great day for us to know that Hitch is going to be here with us as we seek to become a playoff team and then a Stanley Cup team.”

Howson is correct. Hitchcock is an exemplary coach. Unfortunately, he is powerless. Columbus is not a professional sports city. Columbus will never be a professional sports city.