"This is a very special moment with the Devils doing this jersey for Black History Month and I'm so happy that the organization and League has given us an opportunity to put this together," said Subban. "When players are celebrated now, that has come on the shoulders of those before us, like Willie O'Ree. These moments are reflective of progress and change. The game will get to a place where it isn't just about the Black players, the Black individuals who work in the sport, to have to speak out. The real sign of change is when the Black players and individuals don't have to say anything and we will get there."
Every player will wear a helmet decal during the game that will showcase the "Celebrating Black History" mark. A limited number of t-shirts, stemming from the warm-up jersey crest's design, will be available for sale through the Devils Youth Foundation website. Proceeds from the t-shirt sales will also benefit the Devils Youth Foundation and P.K. Subban Foundation. Fans can view the t-shirts at
devilsyouthfoundation.org
.
Fans can get involved throughout the month of February and throughout the season by interacting with Devils social channels and viewing exclusive content in celebration of Black History Month. There will be a long-form sit-down feature, "A Conversation with P.K. Subban and the NHL's Jeff Scott" which features Subban and Jeff Scott, Vice President of Community Development and Growth at the NHL. They come together for an insightful and powerful conversation about Black Hockey History, designing the jersey, opportunities for growing the game and more. The trailer for the piece can be found
HERE
.
The Devils' social handles will feature Black Hockey History Fact Graphics, podcasts with Devils alums- Claude Vilgrain, the organization's first Black player and Bryce Salvador, the club's first black captain and current MSG Networks broadcaster, along with a re-run of the interview the Devils previously did with the Willie O'Ree documentary producer Bryant McBride and more.
A video highlighting Razu, the business selected through this year's Buy Black Program presented by Prudential Financial, will be shared on MSG's broadcast during the pre-game show and on Devils' social media channels. Some of the Black-owned businesses that will be featured in the upcoming
Jersey Shops program
will be activating on the concourse, including SW3AT Sauna Studio, Bro-Ritos and Tia Planta. They will be featured alongside this year's Buy Black recipient Razu, and last year's recipient Flow's Tasty Treats. Fans can learn more about the Devils' Buy Black program by visiting
newjerseydevils.com/buyblack
.
Prior to the game, Devils' National Anthem Singer Arlette will perform the National Anthem while Hillside JROTC presents the Color Guard. Also taking the ice prior to puck drop will be the Devils' Junior Captain, 13-year-old Caleb Elias from Newark, NJ, who is a goaltender with Hockey in New Jersey program. Those in attendance will see Black History Month facts that highlight notable hockey figures displayed around the New Jersey Lottery Upper Concourse. Other game presentation elements include special Black History Month LEDs, logo and screensavers on the jumbotron, and Black History Month facts highlighting Devils Black players and alumni. The proceeds from that night's 50-50 raffle will go to the Boys & Girls Club of Newark.
The Devils' Black History Month celebration will be continued into March when the NHL Black Hockey History Tour presented by American Legacy visits Newark on Saturday, March 12, 2022. The NHL and American Legacy present a mobile museum that celebrates black achievement in hockey. The museum showcases today's stars while also looking back at the pioneers and trailblazers who helped shape NHL history. Admission for those who would like to visit the tour is free. Fans will have the opportunity to visit the tour on Championship Plaza prior to the Devils home game against the Carolina Hurricanes at 7 PM ET that evening.
Fans can purchase tickets to the game by visiting
newjerseydevils.com/tickets
. Fans can follow the Devils at @NJDevils for the most up-to-date news on
