Massachusetts Connection Fuels Success for Coyle and Wood with the Blue Jackets
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Despite growing up just 30 minutes apart in Massachusetts, longtime NHLers Charlie Coyle and Miles Wood forged their hockey careers largely unaware of each other – a consequence of the state’s strong regional identities and a collegiate rivalry. Now, as teammates and linemates with the Columbus Blue Jackets, that shared heritage is proving to be a key ingredient in their on-ice chemistry and the team’s growing success.
From North Shore to South Shore: A Divided Hockey Landscape
The hockey culture in Massachusetts is deeply rooted, and a distinct divide exists between those from the North Shore and the South Shore. “There’s a rift,” Wood remarked with a laugh, highlighting the playful but real separation. Coyle echoed this sentiment, explaining that simply asking someone’s hometown in Massachusetts often leads to an immediate categorization: “He’s North Shore, I’m South Shore… It doesn’t mean anything, but you feel like you have to.” This geographical distinction, coupled with a three-year age difference, meant the two players’ paths rarely crossed during their formative years. Coyle honed his skills in East Weymouth, while Wood called Manchester, a beach town north of Boston, home.
Adding another layer to their separate journeys was their collegiate rivalry. Coyle skated for Boston University, while Wood competed for Boston College, further solidifying their paths as parallel but distinct.
A Colorado Connection and a Trade to Columbus
Their connection began to form unexpectedly a year ago when Coyle was traded from the Boston Bruins to the Colorado Avalanche. Wood had already established himself in Colorado, having signed a long-term contract with the team in free agency. Their shared Massachusetts roots provided an immediate bond as Coyle acclimated to a new team. This burgeoning friendship was strengthened further when both players were traded to the Columbus Blue Jackets this summer.
Impact on the Ice for the Blue Jackets
Since arriving in Columbus, Coyle and Wood have quickly become vital contributors. Coyle has seamlessly stepped into the role of the Blue Jackets’ No. 3 center, registering five goals and 15 assists in 32 games, while also providing veteran leadership in the locker room. Wood, despite battling injuries, has tallied eight goals in 26 games and is currently on pace to surpass his career average of 15 goals per 82 games. Together, they form the core of a dependable line for the Blue Jackets, consistently generating scoring chances and effectively shutting down opposing teams.
“That line has been good,” head coach Dean Evason stated. “They’ve been able to defend really well for us as a line, but we think they have the ability to score goals, too.” The trio, completed by Cole Sillinger, has demonstrated strong underlying statistics, consistently edging out opponents in shot attempts, scoring chances, and high-danger chances.
Building Chemistry and Looking Ahead
The pair’s on-ice chemistry was first hinted at during limited playing time together in Colorado. “There were a few instances last year in Colorado where we played together once or twice and we connected,” Coyle recalled. “You play with a guy not that much, but you do a shift or two together and all of a sudden you score… and you’re like, ‘Maybe there’s something there.’” That initial spark has blossomed in Columbus, and both players are focused on maximizing their potential as linemates.
Wood credits the supportive environment in Columbus for his strong performance. “The group has been great to me the whole year since the first day of camp,” he said. “It’s a great team to play for, a lot of great guys here.”
Despite recent challenges in the win column for the Blue Jackets, Coyle and Wood remain committed to their roles as veteran leaders. “We have to be,” Coyle affirmed. “We’re veteran guys. The team needs us. You make a trade to bring us in, there’s responsibility there. We all want to get better and do what we can to help the team win. We’re playing on a line, so we’ll do it together, so let’s do it. Heck yeah.”
