Fri Apr 25 18:40:37 2008

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Columbus owner McConnell passes away

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Columbus, OH (Sports Network) - John McConnell, the majority owner of the Columbus Blue Jackets, died Friday. He was 84.

The club and Worthington Industries, the $3 billion-a-year steel processing company McConnell founded in 1955, announced his passing.

"His principles and wisdom are ingrained in our philosophy and that will never change," said hi son, Worthington Industries chairman and CEO John P. McConnell. "While it's hard to imagine not having him here, we are comforted by the fact that his guidance will always be with us."

McConnell headed a group of investors who brought the NHL to Columbus and the team began its first season in 2000.

He also was an early investor in Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew and a former minority owner of the Pittsburgh Pirates.