When our family isn’t exploring the woods, hiking or enjoying the outdoors, you might find us at a Columbus Blue Jackets game.  Granted this was before the COVID-19 outbreak, but during normal times it provides us a great opportunity to get out of the house during the winter months and enjoy the excitement of professional sports.  A very different kind of adventure and atmosphere, but one we have enjoyed so much, we became season ticket holders over seven years ago.

What does this have to do with adventure travel you may be asking?  Every year, the team has an incentive sweepstakes for season ticket renewal.  The prizes range from autographed jerseys or sticks to having lunch with members of the organization.  There are several trips as well; the grand prize – a trip on the team plane to a game.  We must have been doing something right in the universe last year because we won one of the grand prize trips!

I still remember receiving the call from my ticket representative.  The shock.  The excitement.  The “Are you @$#@ recording me?” statement I shouted at him.  All comical when I look back.

Once I collected myself and returned to reality, I realized what a grand opportunity had presented itself.  Initially, my wife and I were going to enjoy the experience ourselves – kind of a no-brainer.  However, once the schedule and date of the trip was announced, she was adamant that our son, James, go in her place.  It turned out it to be his birthday, and she wanted him to have the “experience of lifetime” on his special day.  Needless to say, he was beside himself in anticipation.

The scheduled destination ended up being St. Louis.  Excitement for the both of us since we had always driven through on our green walls and never stopped.  Hopes of visiting Gateway Arch during our hockey adventure immediately entered our minds.

We were given instructions on when and where to arrive at the airport and meet our chaperone, Amanda, for the trip.  Once on the plane and into our assigned seats, we were given a menu and chance to eat if so inclined.  John Tortorella, the head coach of the team, having been alerted to my son’s birthday, made sure to come back and wish him a happy birthday and a corresponding fist bump.  James beamed with excitement and this normally boisterous child was quiet and shy as he sat in his seat, grinning from ear to ear.  The staff of the airplane even came up with a little birthday cake for him.  “Awesome” was a word repeated more than once during this part of the adventure.

The other fun aspect of the trip is that James had never been on an airplane.  As a family we tend to love our road trips, so there had never been the opportunity to fly.  I was a little curious as to his reaction, but he loved every aspect.  Check “flying” off the bucket list!

The flight was short and once on the ground, we were shuttled from the airport to a downtown hotel within walking distance of Gateway Arch National Park.  Total bonus in our eyes.

Amanda treated us to a wonderful dinner with the other winning family.  Great conversation and laughter were abundant throughout.  Funny how a great meal can bring folks together. 

The next morning after a nice breakfast, we were able to attend the morning practice for the Blue Jackets at the Enterprise Center, home of the St. Louis Blues.   The arena was essentially empty except for the players and coaching staff on the ice and handful of other folks in the stands.  We spent our time down by the glass.  I spent some of my time watching James, watching the players.  It was a quietly surreal moment which gave me a great deal of satisfaction.  Seeing these things through his eyes; his excitement.  Towards the end of the practice, I encouraged my son to go over by the tunnel and offer fist bumps as the players retreated from the ice.  The “Are you sure this is OK?” look I received was priceless.   There were private moments of satisfaction and joy as well.

After practice concluded, we retreated back to the hotel.  James was floating even as articulating his feelings was a challenge.  I think he was slightly overwhelmed by the enormity of it all.

Upon our return, luckily, we had enough time and ventured down to the Gatway Arch.  The smallest, and most debated of the national parks, is a sight to behold.  The trip to the top in little pods is like something out of a sci-fi movie and feels nothing short of a miracle.  Upon reaching the top you are treated to stunning panoramic views.    It can be an eerie feeling looking straight down from over 600 feet at the Mississippi River.   What a great way for us to catch our collective breath during the whirlwind experience!

Once we finished our little detour, returned to the hotel and after James took a quick dip in the rooftop pool of the hotel, it was time to get packed up and ready to go to the game. 

We brought our bags down to the lobby and spent some time snapping photos with a few of the players and chatting with members of the media team.  We tried to balance being a fan while being respectful of personal space.  Everyone, and I mean everyone, was so gracious with their time.

The return ride to the Enterprise Center brought us to the frenzied atmosphere of the reigning Stanley Cup champions.  It was a fantastic evening with the Blue Jackets unfortunately falling in overtime.  We were cheering the whole game despite being immersed in the hostile and raucous St. Louis crowd.  Nevertheless, it was great fun to see the game we love in a different environment

Once the game concluded, we were escorted to one of the two awaiting shuttles at the arena.  We were seated with much of the media who were absolutely fantastic with James.  Jody Shelley, Dave Maetzold and the others making him laugh and feel a part of the team.  Again, this normally talkative and chatty young man was relatively quiet.  It was a sight to see.

We made it to the airport and found our seats on the plane.  Coach Tortorerlla presented James with an autographed puck from the captain, Nick Foligno, who coincidentally shared the same birthday.  We were able to enjoy a quiet conversation during the return flight and James pressed his face against the window, watching the city lights streak by while glancing a few times where the players were seated.

Upon landing in the middle of the night, James was still energized and greeted each player with a fist bump as they exited the plane.  The players were again more than gracious despite the late hour.   Once the plane emptied, we collected our bags, said our goodbyes and headed home; tired, energized and so thankful for two days that seemed like a week.  It was like nothing we had ever experienced.  Grateful doesn’t even begin to describe the feelings as a fan and as a father.  From beginning to end, it was amazing.

So…I would call this adventure travel that is not necessarily in my normal wheelhouse, but one hell of an adventure, nonetheless. 

Most of the time we make our own adventures; spontaneous or planned, usually we are the drivers.  The lesson from this experience?  Every once in a while, adventure can fall into your lap.   Just be ready for the unexpected and enjoy every single moment of the experience!

Jason M