Prior to the start of the game on Feb. 1, there will be a Newark Gay Pride networking event held in Prudential Center's newest premium space, Primepoint Lounge. The event will be held from 5:15 p.m. to right before the puck drop, featuring a question-and-answer session with forward Harrison Browne of the NWHL's Metropolitan Riveters. Tickets to this event will include admission to the game and can be
purchased.
A special pre-game video by You Can Play will run on the in-arena center-hung. An official NHL partner, You Can Play, works to ensure safety and inclusion for all who participate in sports, including LGBTQ athletes, coaches, and fans. For more information, visit
youcanplayproject.org
and follow @YouCanPlayTeam. Max DeFrancesco, a member of the LGBTQ community, will sing the anthem and the color guard will comprise of representatives from Newark Pride. Additionally, all proceeds from the game's 50/50 raffle will benefit Garden State Equality, New Jersey's largest LGBT advocacy organization. For more information on Garden State Equality, visit
www.gardenstateequality.org.
Sold by wives and girlfriends of New Jersey Devils players, limited edition Devils Pride T-shirts will be available for purchase throughout the game along the East Club wall by section 20. All proceeds from the T-shirt sales will benefit the Devils Care foundation to further youth sports and wellness programs focused on inclusion and diversity.
For warmups, the Devils will also be wrapping their sticks with pride tape, and following the game, each stick will be auctioned off along with N.J. Devil's pride tape-wrapped drum. All proceeds from the auction will benefit You Can Play. For more information on how to participate in the postgame auction, visit NewJerseyDevils.com/NJPride. The Devils have also recorded public service announcements for the You Can Play organization that will run throughout the game and on all media platforms. The players spread the organization's message that no matter who you are, "if you can play, you can play." Devils captain Andy Greene once again serves as the team's ambassador and will participate in post-game meet-and-greets with select organizations.
LGBTQ groups from New York and New Jersey, including You Can Play, Newark Gay Pride, Garden State Equality, NYC Gay Hockey Association and Hudson Pride, will have activation tables on the Main Concourse.
On Friday, Feb. 2, there will be a Hockey is For Everyone Clinic presented by RWJBarnabas Health held on Prudential Center's main ice. Doors open at 4:30 p.m. and the clinic will begin at 5:30 p.m. The clinic will feature to Devils alumni, a special guest appearance from former NHL player and trailblazer and current NHL Diversity Ambassador Willie O'Ree, amongst other guest speakers. Clinic participants will be on ice from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m.
All theme nights throughout the month of February will celebrate Hockey is For Everyone. Theme nights include Diversity Hockey, NHL/NHLPA/NJ Devils Learn to Play Program, Girls Hockey, Sled Hockey and Special Needs Hockey.
Year-round, the NHL supports Hockey is for Everyone non-profit youth and minor hockey organizations across North America that are committed to offering underprivileged and disadvantaged children of all backgrounds opportunities to play hockey, leveraging the sport to build character, foster positive values and develop important life skills.
Follow coverage of Hockey is For Everyone month on Devils social media platforms all month and join in the conversation with the Devils and NHL by using the hashtag #HockeyIsForEveryone.
