Hockey community mourns ex-Columbus Blue Jackets analyst Bill Davidge

[ASFN Admin]

The hockey community showed its love for former Blue Jackets radio and TV analyst Bill Davidge, who died at age 72, according to a Blue Jackets social media post May 20.

Davidge started in the Blue Jackets radio booth in 2000, working with play-by-play man George Matthews until 2009. Davidge then moved to the Fox Sports Ohio TV broadcast until his retirement in 2019.

His hockey career began long before his Blue Jackets tenure. Davidge played collegiately at Ohio State and was a captain for the Buckeyes in the mid-1970s. He also coached the Miami University hockey program, spending 23 years in Oxford as a coach and teacher.

See social media reactions to Davidge's death below.

There are few people that come along in one’s life that make you say, “I wish I could be more like him. I need to enjoy life like him. I need to treat people like him.” That was Bill Davidge. This is a tough day upon learning of his passing. There’s not a person that he touched…

— Jim Day (@JimDayTV) May 20, 2026

Saddened to hear Bill Davidge, a great Buckeye and member of the Ohio hockey community, has passed away.

Keeping Bill, his family and friends in our thoughts and prayers. pic.twitter.com/cipfNKwksV

— steve rohlik (@SteveRohlik) May 20, 2026

Bill Davidge was instrumental in the development of the Miami Hockey program, helping it transition from club sport to varsity sport while continuing to make strides in the CCHA during his tenure. He was also crucial in recruiting top hockey players to Miami and continued to… https://t.co/Q7C9zbeuLi

— BucciOT.Com (@Buccigross) May 20, 2026

Yesterday, we learned of the passing of Bill Davidge.
He was genuine and kind and a true fan favorite.
I look back on my time spent with Billy with great fondness and a big smile.
My deepest condolences to all who knew and loved him. May he rest in peace. pic.twitter.com/u6v5Ep1FLE

— Ray Crawford (@RayCrawford) May 21, 2026

Billy Davidge was a saint. Warm. Energetic. A friend. He and George set the bar in Columbus, and gave this guy more than enough chances to bend their ears for advice when I first started.

His passing is flat out gut wrenching.

RIP sir. We will remember you forever. https://t.co/gnHwVFzVBepic.twitter.com/ZkyQDz0qfk

— Mike Benton (@Benton_Mike) May 21, 2026

Honoring the passing one of great gentlemen in the history of Columbus sports, Billy Davidge here at Huntington Park before the @CLBClippers and @LouisvilleBats 12:05 game. Bill was great to me (and everyone) in my time with the @BlueJacketsNHL. pic.twitter.com/OvYHoK9zjq

— Ryan Mitchell (@ryanmitchell75) May 21, 2026

Bill was a guy who never had a bad day. An absolute beauty who was almost relentlessly positive about all aspects of life. You left a conversation with him in a better mood, without exception, not to mention more informed about the game you were scheduled to cover. https://t.co/kt70rCVfst

— Jack Michaels (@EdmontonJack) May 21, 2026

Miami Athletics is saddened by the passing of Bill Davidge, former hockey coach who had many ties to the department. Our condolences go out to his family, teammates, colleagues and all who knew him. #LoveAndHonorhttps://t.co/dk7m7iCFXqpic.twitter.com/aQVPwODpMk

— Miami Athletics (@MiamiRedHawks) May 20, 2026

This article originally appeared on The Columbus Dispatch: Social media mourns passing of Blue Jackets analyst Bill Davidge

Continue reading...