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Dale Earnhardt Jr. participates in ceremonial puck drop at Columbus Blue Jackets game

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Recently retired NASCAR legend Dale Earnhardt Jr. was in Columbus on behalf of his sponsor Nationwide Tuesday. Dale Jr. toured Ohio State University’s football facilities during the day. Later that night, he dropped the ceremonial first puck at Nationwide Center ahead of the Columbus Blue Jackets’ game against the New Jersey Devils.

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The driver along with a member of the military dropped the puck between Blue Jackets captain Nick Foligno and Devils captain Andy Greene.

Dale Jr., joined by his Hendrick Motorsports replacement Alex Bowman, also spent time participating in game entertainment segments. The two stopped by the Nationwide Fan Lounge for a visit with Mike Todd and a pair of contestants to play “Name That Toon.”

The two-time Daytona 500 winner also sat down with Fox Sports Ohio to talk with Bill Davige and Brian Giesenschlag.

Dale Jr. was asked about his recent retirement.

“It’s only been a few weeks. It hasn’t really sunk in yet,” Dale Jr. said. “I think once we get into next season and guys are going to the race track, driving cars, and I’m not, that’s really when it’s going to sink in.”

The third generation driver also spoke about his growing relationship with the sport of hockey.

“I didn’t grow up a fan, but I have been going to a lot of games lately,” Dale Jr. said. “One of my good friends, Reid Smith, big fan of Colorado, sent to me a game a couple years ago. I went to a Minnesota Wild game for Budweiser. Obviously we got Carolina, the Checkers in Charlotte. Hockey’s really growing, especially around our area. Reid’s trying to make me a fan.”

He also promoted his recently created Dale and Amy Earnhardt Fund, which was announced on November 27. The Earnhardts are supporting Nationwide Kids at Nationwide Children’s Hospital.

“We just wanted to be a part of helping and raise awareness and money for the hospital,” Dale Jr. said. “So far we’ve donated 888,000 into this fund.”

While at the game, an adorable child was celebrating her tenth anniversary since having her second heart transplant.

Nationwide will continue to sponsor the number 88 car next season with Alex Bowman.

Headline photo: Columbus Blue Jackets (@bluejacketsnhl)

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