CLEVELAND — It’s a big weekend in Columbus as the NHL’s “Stadium Series” hits the 614 at the historic Ohio Stadium. The Columbus Blue Jackets will face the Detroit Red Wings Saturday night.

What You Need To Know

  • Cleveland Monsters players are working toward the goal of having a permanent spot on a NHL team

  • Monsters players like Jet Greaves and Luca Del Bel Belluz have had the chance to take the ice for the Blue Jackets 

  • They are taking things day by day, enjoying the ride and hopeful that one day they will earn a spot on a NHL team

Just two hours north of Columbus is the Cleveland Monsters, which is the American Hockey League affiliate of the Blue Jackets.

Jet Greaves, a goalie for the Monsters, has been a part of the organization for four years. He said that Cleveland fans are unmatched in the NHL.

“The numbers show it; we have the most fans in the league every year, and it’s just awesome. It’s awesome to play out there in front of this crowd,” Greaves said.

Greaves has been called up to play for the Blue Jackets in the past.

“I’ve been fortunate enough to play some games and spend some time there so I’ve kinda got to enjoy both cities and both teams a little bit,” he said.

Greaves’ teammate, Luca Del Bel Belluz, who’s been a part of the organization for two years, was also given the opportunity to put on a Blue Jackets jersey.

“It's cool to experience both sides of the league, NHL and AHL,” Del Bel Belluz said.

Greaves explained that it’s he and his teammates dream to be in the NHL permanently.

“Everyone’s goal here is to try and get to the NHL and be there for as long as you can, but I think its important to just enjoy the steps along the way just really be where your feet are and enjoy everyday here,” he said.

Del Bel Belluz said that getting to that point is a marathon, not a sprint and that he’s taking things day by day. He has hopes to one day play in an outdoor NHL game.

“Better yourself everyday you come into the rink and try and work on what you need to work on and hopefully one day you get that call and you get to stick up with Columbus for good,” he said.