FAN FRIDAY: Perrone Carries His Love for the Devils

Mike Perrone was fifteen when the Devils franchise came to New Jersey, and has been a fan ever since the team arrived.
"I was caught in between my friends [who] were either Islanders or Rangers fans, and I decided with my best friend to start rooting for the team that called New Jersey home."
Perrone grew up in Bergen County and now calls Hackettstown home.
"I'm proud to call New Jersey home. Like the Devils of past and present, we're always the underdog. When things get tough, we always come together like a big family and stick together to get through tough situations."

Perrone has hundreds of stories involving his Devils fandom, but some of the best memories involve "winning" hockey sticks.
"One of the first games I went to, against Washington, we were sitting next to the penalty box. A Capitals player got checked into the boards and I wound up with his stick in my lap," explained Perrone. "I still have that stick."
The other free stick Perrone received from a Devils game has turned into more than a piece of memorabilia.
"I got a stick from getting to shoot the puck at center ice playing the old 'Score O' game back in the days of Continental Airlines Arena," said Perrone. "A few years ago I had knee replacement surgery, and I needed a cane to help me walk. I wanted something unique, so I asked my father-in-law to help me. He had all the power equipment at the time to help me turn my stick into a cane."

If you're wondering how Perrone faired in the 'Score O' game, don't worry, he didn't disappoint.
"I actually scored on my first shot in the Score O. I did a swan dive on the ice after it went in," said Perrone. "But when I came back to try and win the Mercedes SUV, I couldn't hit the ocean with my shots, missed every one of them. At least I got a round trip ticket from Continental Airlines to anywhere in the USA for my first shot. I wound up going to see my aunt in San Diego with the ticket."
When asked about some of his other favorite memories as a Devils fan Perrone had a common theme, bringing his family to games.
"The first time I brought my wife to a game, she was hooked," said Perrone. "[Also] the excitement of bringing my nieces to their first games and watching them become lifelong Devils fans."
Regardless of the game or when, Perrone's love for the Devils and going to games has stayed consistent since the team arrived in New Jersey.
"Hockey has become my passion. I love going to games, the excitement of being at a game, and sharing my passion for the Devils with other. I love being part of the Devils family and screaming my lungs out at game. It has brought me excitement, friendships, and another family."