Hockey World Mourns Loss of Beloved Blue Jackets Broadcaster Bill Davidge

The story of the Columbus Blue Jackets cannot be told without mentioning the impact Bill Davidge had. The story of hockey in Ohio cannot be told without mentioning the impact he had.

“Oh baby! You better believe it!” That was Davidge’s signature call in the broadcast booth. For five decades, he left an indelible mark on hockey through everything he was able to accomplish. He usually had a big smile on his face too.

On Wednesday, the Blue Jackets announced through a social media post that Davidge passed away. He was 72. As soon as the news came out, tributes started pouring in.

pic.twitter.com/L6cvB65UmX

— Columbus Blue Jackets (@BlueJacketsNHL) May 20, 2026

Davidge’s Career

Davidge’s ties to Ohio began in the mid 1970’s. He came to the United States from Ontario to play hockey at Ohio State University. He served as the Buckeyes team captain in the 1976-77 season.

After graduating from Ohio State, Davidge joined Miami (Ohio) University as a graduate assistant coach. For the next decade plus, he helped to build the hockey program for the RedHawks including becoming the team’s head coach in 1985.

Davidge took his talents to the NHL during the 1990’s. He was a scout for multiple teams including the Detroit Red Wings and Florida Panthers. Then as the Blue Jackets were preparing to enter the NHL, GM Doug MacLean hired Davidge both a pro and amateur scout in 1999.

But it was Davidge’s next role within the Blue Jackets that a generation of fans will always remember about him. For the next 20 years, he became one of the soundtracks of the team.

Davidge joined George Matthews in the radio booth as a color analyst during the team’s first decade of existence. In 2009, Davidge moved to the TV side on Fox Sports Ohio and called games next to Jeff Rimer.

During his final years with the team, Davidge served as a studio host and analyst pregame, in-game and postgame. When he was off camera, he did everything possible to promote the Blue Jackets in an ambassador role. His influence was felt everywhere but particularly in the state of Ohio.

Davidge announced he would retire after the 2018-19 season was over so he could spend more time with his family. He previously announced he was diagnosed with multiple myeloma. Blue Jackets fans will vividly remember the scene postgame after the sweep of the Lightning. Davidge shared his emotions after seeing his team win a playoff series for the first time.

An emotional Bill Davidge explains it perfectly as what this playoff series win mean to Columbus and the @BlueJacketsNHL fans. #CBJ pic.twitter.com/kBGPlNrWzl

— FanDuel Sports Network Cincinnati (@FanDuelSN_CIN) April 17, 2019

Even in retirement, Davidge still made it a point to visit the Blue Jackets when the opportunity presented itself. He made a visit to Nationwide Arena during the 2025-26 season sporting his usual smile and infectious personality. It was easy to see why he was so beloved by so many people.

Jeff Rimer & John Davidson Remember Davidge

The Hockey Writers reached out and spoke to Jeff Rimer and John Davidson to remember Davidge’s legacy. For Rimer, there were a couple things that he will always admire and remember about his broadcast partner.

“Such a proud guy,” Rimer said of Davidge. “Even though he was having a tough time, he found a way to show that he had the strength as far as dealing with the multiple myeloma and then later with the stroke. Always had a smile on his face. It didn’t matter. I really admired that with Bill. He always found a way to be positive. He was always regardless of the situation, he was always proud and positive in any way he could be.”

“What he was most proud of is when he always visualized himself as a coach. (He) always talked about it when he was analyzing games his perspective from being a coach. He was so proud of that. He was one in a million. He really was.”

Davidson served as the Blue Jackets’ President of Hockey Operations during the end of Davidge’s career. Like Rimer, Davidson remembered the positivity Davidge brought no matter the situation.

“The one thing about Bill over the years, the attitude is so strong and so positive. He’s always been a positive fighter,” Davidson said. “It’s sad to hear. It really is because the personality of the man and the spirit that he had and the energy that he had. He was always on the up and up. Always in a wonderful mood. Great to be around. He was a special guy because of his love for the game.”

‘It was a win for the Blue Jackets because you had such a positive, wonderful person out there spreading the gospel of the game. You look at someone like Bill and you say ‘thanks.’ You helped make the game better with your positive attitude towards the organization, towards the game, towards the players. Every single time you saw him it was all positive, positive, positive.”

In Davidson’s view, one thing stood out above all that made Davidge a great broadcaster.

“The biggest thing is the respect that he had for the game and the love that he had for the game,” Davidson said. “It comes through when you listen to him. He had good knowledge too. I think there was a great package there. A man that loved the game and it came through the broadcast all the time. You never had to worry about Bill. He always showed up in a good mood. He always worked hard. And there’s love. Love for the Blue Jackets, love for the game, love for the fans, love for the Fifth Line. That’s a nice way to go through life.”

Closing Thoughts

Davidge’s legacy will be forever remembered thanks to his personality and everything he did to invest in hockey in Ohio. No matter what kind of mood you were in, being around him always lifted your spirits.

Davidge had an off-camera catch phrase too. Every time we saw each other at the rink, I would say “great seeing you.” Then with the biggest smile on his face, his reply would be the same. “It’s great to be seen.”

No truer words could be spoken. Davidge was seen throughout his five-decade hockey career making a lasting impact in so many places. Based on the outpouring of support, it was clear he touched many lives.

A team captain. A coach. A scout. A broadcaster. A husband. A father. Davidge lived a full and complete life. But it was his personality that stood above all. His smile will continue to resonate with everyone that knew him.

Davidge will be sorely missed. Hockey in Ohio wouldn’t be where it is today if it wasn’t for his countless contributions. Rest easy, Dapper.