COLUMBUS, OHIO – The Columbus Blue Jackets announced October 1 that the National Hockey League franchise has renewed its corporate partnership with Columbia Gas. Columbus-based Columbia Gas is an original member of the Blue Jackets' family of corporate partners. The primary elements of their agreement include in-arena signage and presenting status of the popular in-game video feature, "Kiss Cam."

Beyond the standard elements of the partnership, Columbia Gas is one of six partners set to present a segment of the team's commemorative 10th season which will be highlighted by a series of Alumni Nights. When the Blue Jackets host the Dallas Stars on Saturday, Dec. 18, Columbia Gas will present an appearance by Espen Knutsen, the first Blue Jacket and first Norwegian-born player to be selected to play in the NHL All-Star Game (2002). Knutsen, who represented Norway at the 1994 Olympic Games and enjoyed a standout career in the Swedish Elite League, is currently the head coach of Valerenga in Norway. All fans in attendance that night will receive a Blue Jackets winter hat courtesy of Columbia Gas.

Columbia Gas of Ohio, with headquarters in Columbus, is one of the nine energy distribution companies of NiSource Inc. (NYSE: NI). With approximately 1.4 million customers in 61 of Ohio's 88 counties, it is the largest natural gas utility in the state. NiSource distribution companies serve approximately 3.8 million gas and electric customers primarily in seven states. More information about Columbia Gas of Ohio is available at: ColumbiaGasOhio.com.

The Blue Jackets will open their 10th NHL season with a pair of games against the San Jose Sharks at Ericcson Globe Arena in Stockholm, Sweden on Friday, Oct. 8 and Saturday, Oct. 9. The home opener is set for Friday, Oct. 15, when the club hosts the defending Stanley Cup champion Chicago Blackhawks. Game time from Nationwide Arena is set for 7 p.m. ET. For more information on the Blue Jackets 10th season, visit BlueJackets.com.