Dear Cleveland Sports Fan:

Jan 17, 2014; Mandatory Credit: Russell LaBounty-USA TODAY Sports

I know, it sucks. How do I know? Because I am one of you. I suffer through the three ring circus that is the Cleveland Browns. I watch the Indians hoping for a return to the fun filled days of the 90s. I still haven’t forgiven that guy who took his talents elsewhere. So I get it; it isn’t a fun experience, but somehow the hope of better days keeps us coming back for more.

I also know something else about you Cleveland Sports Fan, you also enjoy the sport of hockey. While many forget, Cleveland has a rich hockey history that includes one of the greatest AHL franchises of all time (the Cleveland Barons), the Cleveland Crusaders, and the NHL Cleveland Barons. The current team, the Lake Erie Monsters, is often close to the top of AHL attendance rankings. So while Cleveland often gets the reputation of being a “football town”, you know the difference between the red and blue lines.

So why am I writing you? Well, I want to tell you about the Columbus Blue Jackets. You may have heard of them. But if you have not, they are Ohio’s NHL team and have been around since 2000. Those years have not been easy; just one playoff appearance in a 14 years, star player ran to a big name / big city team…WAIT I promise, it’s different.

The Blue Jackets are different. They are starting to turn things around. A little over a year ago, the Blue Jackets decided enough is enough and made huge culture changes throughout the organization. They hired John Davidson (architect of the St. Louis Blues) as President of Hockey Operations, who in turn brought in General Manager Jarmo Kekalainen. I know, Cleveland Fans have seen several “culture changes” over the years. The difference: this one is working.

The Blue Jackets went on a miraculous run last season, and fell just short of a playoff birth. I know that sounds like the usual Cleveland letdown we are all used to. However, Jackets fans were extremely proud of the team. We do not look back on last March and April and think of pain. Most of us describe it as one of the best times as a Jackets fan.

The Jackets got off to a slow start this year, but thankfully, due to being in a weak division, they were able to keep pace with the rest of the pack. Now, they are starting to roll. Last night they won their 7th game in a row, setting a new franchise record. Their big name free agent signing, Nathan Horton, is lighting it up. Goalie Sergei Bobrovsky is getting back to Vezina form. Many have the Blue Jackets making the playoffs.

Jan 18, 2014; Buffalo, NY, USA; Mandatory Credit: Timothy T. Ludwig-USA TODAY Sports

What I am trying to tell you suffering Cleveland Sports Fan, it is time to jump on the Blue Jackets bandwagon. When it comes to hockey, your options are simple: root for the Penguins (and then I will question your Cleveland sports fandom), Detroit (what kind of Ohio sports fan would root for a team from Michigan), Colorado (while I do understand the Monsters connection, they are 1,333 miles away), or you can root for Ohio’s team, the Columbus Blue Jackets.

Sure it would be great if Cleveland had a NHL team, but it isn’t happening. Besides is Columbus really that far? When Ohio State is on the football field, it’s as if Columbus, OH is located as far away as Parma.

So join us Cleveland Sports fan, you won’t regret it. Blue Jackets fans are a family, and there are already many people hailing from the 216 that support the Jackets.

Sincerely,

A fellow suffering Cleveland Sports Fan / Happy Blue Jackets Fan