COLUMBUS, Ohio — Columbus Blue Jackets let kids behind the scenes to help lead the team for Saturday’s game against Nashville.
For the team’s annual “Kid Takeover” game, 8-year-old Riley Salett was chosen as “Kid Coach.”
Riley is a participant in the Blue Jackets Foundation’s 2023 Class of Pediatric Cancer Heroes. She was diagnosed with Stage 3 Wilms Tumor, also known as nephroblastoma, a rare kidney cancer common among children.
As of March 1, Riley has been cancer-free for one year. She was excited to help lead the Jackets and cheer them on during Kidney Cancer Awareness Month.
Felicia Salett, Riley’s mother, said she didn’t think this would be something they were a part of in a million years, but she said now, they’re invested.
“We had two surgeries, a year of chemo and some radiation, but we’re here now, one kidney later, and it’s been good. It’s been hard but we made it,” Felicia said. “Even through the toughest part she never lost her smile.”
Walking into Nationwide Arena, Riley was greeted by a round of applause and fans waiting for her arrival.
In her role, she watched warmups and read the starting lineup in the locker room.
When asked what she was most excited about before the game, Riley said she was excited to coach the Blue Jackets.
Her favorite player? No. 44 Erik Gudbranson.
Gudbranson even gave her a hockey puck during their warmups.
Riley also got to ride the Zamboni as part of the takeover day.
“It’s been great, and we feel like we have a whole family with the Blue Jackets now,” Felicia said.
Several other kids took part in game day traditions. Lila Urbanic, 14, returned for her third performance after she performed at last year's Kids Takeover and Hockey Fights Cancer Night in 2022.
Leo Szabrak, 9, and his 6-year-old sister Ruby served as members of the Cannon Crew. Kids also filled in the roles of PA Announcer Jr., Jackets Insider, In-Arena Host and more.
