COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX) — Rough winter weather across central Ohio led to several sports cancellations and postponements, though some teams still took the court despite snowy conditions.
The Columbus Blue Jackets postponed their home game against the Los Angeles Kings, originally scheduled for Monday night at Nationwide Arena. The team announced the game has been rescheduled for March 9. Fans who purchased tickets for the original date can use them for the new game.
As of Monday night, the Blue Jackets’ home matchup against the Philadelphia Flyers on Wednesday remains scheduled as planned.
Weather-related disruptions extended beyond the NHL. Ohio Christian University canceled both its men’s and women’s basketball games scheduled for Tuesday. Over the weekend, Ohio State University was forced to cancel its men’s volleyball match, and the Columbus Fury postponed their game against the Atlanta Vibe.
Despite the snow, Ohio State men’s basketball played on Monday night at the Schottenstein Center, hosting Penn State. Fans braved slick roads and winter conditions to support the Buckeyes.
“These tickets were a Christmas gift,” said fan Tyler Tomera-Hillier, who drove about an hour from Wilmington to attend the game. “I’ve been waiting for a little while. I’m a big Gabe Cupps fan, so super excited to cheer him on.”
Tomera-Hillier said road conditions were manageable for most of the drive, though back roads were more challenging.
Season ticket holders Meredith and Shawn Stock also made the trip, determined not to miss the game despite the weather. “We wanted to cheer on the Buckeyes even with the weather,” Meredith Stock said, while Shawn added, “Gotta get that dub.”
Ohio State officials said roads surrounding the Schottenstein Center were plowed and treated ahead of tipoff. The university also offered free parking, but did not operate normal gameday shuttle services.
The postponement of the Blue Jackets game raised concerns among some fans that the Buckeyes’ game might also be delayed. However, many were relieved to see the matchup go on as scheduled.
“I was a little surprised when I got the notification that the Jackets canceled,” Tomera-Hillier said. “I thought this would be postponed as well, but I’m okay with it not being postponed. I’m excited.”
Another fan, Joshua Graybeal, said the snowfall made the decision to play even more surprising. “I looked out the window today and there was two feet of snow outside,” he said. “I was like, no way anybody’s doing anything today—but the game goes on.”