Grad skates his way from ACRN to NHL in-game host

If you have been to a Columbus Blue Jackets game over the past few years, you’re sure to have heard the voice of Mike Todd.

Todd is the in-arena host at Nationwide Arena, and one of three in-game personalities to have graduated from Ohio University.

As a telecommunications major at OU, Todd was involved in many campus wide activities including the All Campus Radio Network, Campus Crusade for Christ, as well as some political groups.

While at OU, Todd met his ACRN radio show co-host and current Blue Jackets PA announcer, Greg Murray. Together the two hosted the university station’s morning show "Murray, Todd and More", and even set an Ohio record for most consecutive time on the air, over 99 hours.

Todd, unlike Murray, was a big hockey fan in college. “We used to go over to Bird Arena and rattle the chain link fence they had around the ice during hockey games, it was always a good time,” Todd said.

Although he was always a fan of the game, he never saw himself doing what he does today. Like Murray, he knew he wanted to work in radio when he graduated, but initially took at job at Compucard as a phone salesman. “I needed to put food on the table,” he said, “working at Compucard really helped me when it came to people relations.”

He also spent time working at several central Ohio radio stations before a good friend of his made him aware of the Blue Jackets job posting on the website and suggested he try out. Todd then called Greg Murray, the Blue Jackets PA announcer, and asked him what he thought. “He told me I better be prepared to get the job,” Todd recalled. “I didn’t recommend him to anyone, but I knew he would get it,” Murray said.

Todd did get the job, and now is one of the more recognizable personalities at a Blue Jackets game. During the game, Todd is in charge of the games and contests and is often found hanging around with the Pepsi Power Patrol or Cannon Crew.

Before each game, Todd and Murray script and perform a pre-game show called “The Rink Report”, which previews the upcoming opponent and also takes a look at other games around the league.

Along with being the in-arena host, Todd also does a lot of charity work with The Blue Jackets Foundation. Events include a golf outing, a fashion show called “Black Ties, Blue Jackets” to support pediatric cancer research, and according to the foundation’s official website, “a day long extravaganza throughout Nationwide Arena of games, autograph sessions, locker room tours, interactive photo stations, auction, and more”, known as Hockey Fest. “The work we do with the Blue Jackets Foundation is very rewarding,” Todd said.

Todd also became very close with the late Ryan Salmons and his family during his fight with cancer. “Getting to know Ryan and his family was a great privilege of mine,” Todd said.

When asked about his favorite part of the job, he responded by saying it is the people. “I have the pleasure of working with a lot of wonderful and talented people,” Todd said, “including Greg Murray.”

Besides his work with the Blue Jackets, Todd owns and operates three restaurants in the central Ohio area, as well as his own DJ business with which he works parties and weddings.

“Coming from a small town, OU allowed me to experience different viewpoints and cultures,” Todd said. “Through the telecommunications school, and organizations such as ACRN, I was able form the relationships and gain the experience needed to be successful.”