DEVILS THROUGH THE DECADES: Five Minutes of Fame

While I was wrapping up my last article, I was giving thought as to what I might write about this time. At that point, games were still fanless and I was waxing nostalgic (by myself of course) recalling the countless unforgettable afternoons and evenings spent "in-arena" over the years.
Some of these recollections were incomparable - the two Cups we won at home, three Stanley Cup celebrations and jersey retirements. Others were momentous to include a multitude of enthralling playoff games - topping that list for me (and many others) was the historic Henrique OT goal against the Rangers that propelled us into the Stanley Cup Finals. In addition are ALL of the outstanding games and noteworthy occasions that I feel fortunate to have witnessed and/or participated in: players breaking records, milestones and special events (player events, reunion parties, various celebrations and ceremonies, etc.).
Equally important, we all have standout experiences in our memory banks that are of personal significance to us. I would like to share one of mine with you.

When the Devils moved to
Newark
and for several years following that, full season ticket holders that paid early were given their choice of several bonus prizes as a perk. They gave us a list which we ranked from 1-10 in order of preference and each STH received one of their top three (when possible). I had the opportunity to do some cool, fun and fantastic things.
In 2010, I sent my list, ranked them and submitted. I received a call from Terry Farmer who was the Head of Ticket Operations at that time and I had known her for years. She congratulated me on getting my #1 choice and then inquired as to whether I had a niece or someone else that I was signing up for this event.
I was perplexed until she informed that the experience was designed as a "Junior Devils Dancer" (for a child). Not sure how I missed that or if it may have been selective reading on my part (still unclear to me). I told her I would choose something else. Terry said it would be fun and that I should do it. Fun is more than fine with me - "funny" would be a non-starter. After a bit of conversation, Terry agreeing to allow me a practice with the Devils dancers and renaming it "Honorary Devils Dancer," she convinced me. Game on…

I was told they would arrange my practice and send me the red Devils tank that the dancers wore. At that point, it took on a life of its own in my head. I chose my outfit - the little black boy shorts, boots and my new red shirt - just like a real dancer. As you can see by my pictures, by the time that night rolled around, I gave it a bit more thought and toned down my wardrobe choice. Additionally, the red tank they gave me was a large (all they had left). Hence the black one I bought myself: size small.
A few days before the game, I was invited to a practice and learned a few of the moves. The dancers made me feel welcome and it was a lot of fun (as promised). Then the big night arrived. It was a Friday night in April against Pittsburgh and the game was sold out. I arrived early and would be lying if I said I wasn't a bit nervous. I met the dancers pre-game and then joined my friends for a bit of liquid courage before rejoining the troupe at game time, although I was scheduled to dance with them for the second period.
At the start of the second, my debut was underway. As the period went on, I became more relaxed and midway through the second they introduced me, showed my training video and captured live dance on the big board. I was having the time of my life.
At the conclusion of the second period, they invited me to stay with them for the remainder of the game (I may have missed my calling). I went out on the ice in a car for the very popular scoro competition - sitting on the window sill and shaking my pom-pom. I walked in the halls with them, greeting fans and found my place back on the platform for the start of the third.

When the game was over, I could never have imagined the reception and recognition I received from the fans and arena employees. As I walked the concourse, people cheered me, high-fived me and congratulated me on a job well done. A few people stopped me and asked to take pictures with me and I even signed two autographs!
Who would have thought? In the following months, over the years and as recent as last season, I have been approached by a number of people telling me that they recognized me and remembered that night. It was an awesome experience and will be an everlasting memory - my five minutes of fame (maybe six).