The Columbus Blue Jackets fans call out the team for 'insensitive announcement'
What had seemed to be a good idea by the Columbus Blue Jackets to celebrate New Year's Eve, has drawn massive amounts of fan criticism. The team announced a fireworks show to follow the game, but fans quickly took to Twitter to call the decision out.
After the New Year's Eve game, the Blue Jackets will let off indoor fireworks, along with a 2023 Calendar giveaway. This has drawn a lot of criticism from NHL fans all over the league.
Last summer Blue Jackets goalie Matiss Kievlenieks was killed protecting his best friend Elvis Merzlikins and the goalie's family. Kievlenieka death was caused by an errant fireworks that struck him in the chest after he fearlessly put himself in front of the danger.
Merzlikins made it clear how much he struggled with the death of his friend. Merzlikins shared he even struggled with the Blue Jackets cannon after the death. Fans immediately brought up this incident and called upon the Jackets to cancel the event.
It will be interesting to see how the franchise reacts to the outcry from the fans. But hopefully in all of this someone spoke to the team, players and coaches who were traumatized by this event.
