The much-maligned rookie mascot of the Columbus Blue Jackets, Boomer, will make his highly-anticipated return to Nationwide arena tonight, where the Jackets are set to face off against division rival Chicago.

Boomer was introduced along with the team's new third sweaters earlier this season.

Fan reaction was mixed, given Boomer's apparent quasi-phallic image, and his unorthodox approach to firing tee shirts into the crowd. 

From a source close to the team:

"Boomer is the result of years of research and creative artistry, and is a fantastic compliment to incumbent mascot Stinger"

The staff here at The Cannon is truly excited about Boomer's return, and we look forward to more of his mustache wiggling, followed by a shimmy shake before releasing a gift into the crowd from the tip of his cannon.

Closing statement, from the same source:

"Boomer is back. There are plans underway to adopt him as full-time mascot in 2011/2012, with Stinger being moved to an advisory position within the organization."