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Even long after an athlete leaves campus, college rivalries have a habit of never truly dying. The vitriol between schools remains years and even decades later. When it comes to Ohio State and Michigan, that’s especially true.
If they didn’t already know, a few NHL players are finding that out.
In advance of the Blue Jackets’ game against the Detroit Red Wings at Ohio Stadium on March 1, several former Michigan standouts on both teams — Adam Fantilli and Kent Johnson of the Blue Jackets and Dylan Larkin of the Red Wings — were given Ohio State jerseys as a prank by apparel company Fanatics weeks before they prepare to play in the home football venue of their former school’s archrival.
The players were handed a set of jerseys to look at and sign, with a Buckeyes hockey sweater mixed somewhere in the collection.
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Each had a different reaction.
Larkin opened the box, saw a red jersey reading “Buckeyes” on it and quickly set it to the side before asking “Who did that?” with a laugh.
While working through a stack of jerseys he was signing one by one, Fantilli tossed a white Ohio State sweater off the table.
In a bit of a break from his fellow Michigan Men, Johnson laughed and held up the jersey to his chest. It didn’t mean he was any less disgusted by being presented with a piece of scarlet-and-gray apparel.
“I don’t think we’re wearing this,” Johnson said. “I think I’d scratch myself maybe.”
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The video was a part of Fanatics’ promotion of its unveiling of the jerseys the teams will wear for the NHL Stadium Series game in March.
Unlike Larkin, a Michigan native who now plays in Detroit, Fantilli and Johnson are used to the exposure to the Buckeyes given where they live and play professionally.
Regardless of who emerges victorious in March, it will come with what has become a painfully familiar result to those in Columbus — a Michigan athlete winning in The Horseshoe.
The Columbus Blue Jackets and Detroit Red Wings players got a surprise when they arrived at the rink for practice today – they were greeted with Ohio State jerseys hanging in their lockers!
The prank was orchestrated by some mischievous teammates looking to have a little fun before their upcoming game against each other. The players couldn’t help but laugh as they tried on the scarlet and gray jerseys, some even posing for pictures and joking about their new look.
Despite the good-natured ribbing, both teams took it in stride and had a good laugh together. It just goes to show that even in the heat of competition, there’s always room for some lighthearted fun.
As they gear up for their game, it’s safe to say that the Blue Jackets and Red Wings will be keeping a close eye on their lockers from now on. Who knows what other surprises might be in store for them next time!
Tags:
Blue Jackets, Red Wings, Ohio State, players, prank, jerseys, hockey, rivalry, NHL, fun, sports, humor, athletes, Michigan, Ohio, Columbus, Detroit, trick, laughter.
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