Bill Davidge, a legendary figure in the Ohio hockey community and a beloved former broadcaster for the Columbus Blue Jackets, passed away on Wednesday, May 20, 2026, at the age of 72.
Known affectionately across the state as “Mr. Blue Jacket,” Davidge left an indelible mark on the sport of hockey as a player, coach, scout, and television personality. His passing prompted an outpouring of grief and tribute from the NHL, Ohio State University, and generations of hockey fans who grew up listening to his infectious catchphrases, including his trademark: “Oh Baby… you better believe it!”
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A Lifetime Dedicated to Ohio Hockey
Though born and raised in Dunnville, Ontario, Davidge moved to Columbus, Ohio, in the 1970s and spent the next fifty years building the region’s hockey culture from the ground up:
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The Buckeye Captain: He played college hockey for the Ohio State Buckeyes from 1973 to 1977, serving as team captain during his senior year. Over his collegiate career, he racked up 45 goals and 101 assists in 141 games.
Building Miami University Hockey: In 1977, Davidge helped establish the Division I hockey program at Miami University (Ohio), successfully transitioning it from a club team to a varsity program. He served as an assistant coach and later as the head coach for the RedHawks from 1985 to 1989. To this day, Miami Hockey’s “Outstanding Offensive Player” award is named in his honor.
NHL Scouting: Before moving into the broadcast booth, Davidge worked as an NHL scout for the Detroit Red Wings (1990–1994) and the Florida Panthers (1994–1998).
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The Voice of the Blue Jackets
When the Columbus Blue Jackets were founded as an expansion team, General Manager Doug MacLean hired Davidge as an original staff member in 1999.
Broadcasting Career: He served as the franchise’s radio color analyst alongside George Matthews from 2000 to 2009, before transitioning to television on Fox Sports Ohio (now Bally Sports Ohio). He became a staple of the pregame, intermission, and postgame television shows, universally adored for his relentlessly positive attitude, impeccable suits, and deep knowledge of the game.
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Retirement: He officially retired from full-time broadcasting at the end of the 2018–19 season, capstone by calling the Blue Jackets’ historic first-round playoff sweep of the Tampa Bay Lightning.
Health Battle and Philanthropy
In 2014, Davidge was diagnosed with multiple myeloma, an incurable form of blood cancer. True to his resilient nature, he underwent a bone marrow transplant in 2015 and entered remission without ever missing a scheduled broadcast.
In his later years, he used his public platform to champion cancer research. He hosted annual fundraising golf tournaments to support treatment initiatives and routinely visited patients at the James Cancer Hospital at Ohio State to provide support, warmth, and encouragement to others fighting the disease.
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He is survived by his wife, Jayna, his children, and his grandchildren, alongside a massive community of friends and fans who remember him as a man in whose world “there were no strangers, only friends
