Monthly Archives: April 2011
The Players Award Ceremony
If you are a season ticket holder, one of the many perks is having the opportunity to attend meet and greet events with the players. My family and I were certainly in for a treat when we attended the Pl
ayers Award Ceremony and autograph signing on Thursday, April 7th!
The event opened with an hour long autograph session, with all of the players armed with sharpie markers and glowing smiles. We were fortunate in that Ilya Kovalchuk happened to be at the table nearest where we entered, and we were able to get at the head of the line. I have patiently waited for the opportunity to have him sign my jersey, and I finally got my chance!
I also had a puck given to me by Mark Fraser in the pre-season. It was exciting to finally get his autograph and have a chance to talk to him. The best part was learning that he recognized me from all the times I go and wave during the warm ups, and that he remembered giving that puck to me!
Probably the funniest situation of all, was my family and I bringing a bright red stuffed pig with Devils horns (from today forward known as “Devil Pig”) and having nearly the entire team and coaching staff sign him. Johan Hedberg gave my brother and I a quizzical look and said, “I don’t think I’ve ever signed a PIG before!” Dainius Zubrus, who we have seen at numerous signings, wondered what we had in store for him, as he has signed everything from photos, books, pucks and jerseys for us. I explained that he was the inspiration for bringing the pig; after all, he’s already signed everything else for us! We had to get creative. He laughed as he autographed the “place of honor” right on the front.
After the autograph signings, we were treated to a wonderful lunch of sandwiches, chicken fingers, small snacks and drinks. Then the awards were handed out. Travis Zajac was voted by his team mates as this year’s Unsung Hero, Johan Hedberg was deemed this year’s Players Player, while Patrik Elias was given the honor of Most Valuable Player.
We listened as each award was handed out, and each coach thanked the players, staff and all the fans! Jacques Lemaire hinted that we may see him again next year, which was met with thunderous applause from the crowd. The event ended with an inspirational video of this season’s highlights, bringing back all the memories of this year’s strengths, and reminding us of what we will have to look forward to next year! Everyone down on the ice expressed disappointment that we aren’t occupying a place in the playoffs as we have become accustomed, but assured us that next year, they will be working doubly hard to be back where we belong!
Our Unsung Heroes
As we all know, those of us who become season ticket holders do so because we love our team, we admire our players, and we love being able to share the excitement of the season with our friends.
However, one very important group of people often go overlooked, and if not for them our experience in the arena would be very different. So, I wanted to take a moment to thank some of our unsung heroes who work hard every day to make sure we, the fans, are taken care of every time we visit.
For my family, those heroes are the staff in the Fire Lounge. Being in the Fire Lounge every game is truly an amazing experience and not just because the food is great! We’ve come to know many of the members of the staff, and they have gone above and beyond making sure we have a great visit, every time. We are always greeted with smiles and hellos, hugs and handshakes, great conversation, and outstanding service.
From the ushers and the security guards, to the cooks and food servers, bartenders and managers, everyone is outstanding.
Doc, Chico and Steve are there broadcasting, too! They often take the time to greet fans with a friendly smile, pose for photos or sign autographs!
We love our Devils, but the staff in the Fire Lounge have truly taken our Season Ticket Experience to a level beyond what we expected it would be!
THANK YOU!
Fun For All at Fan Fest
Welcome to Championship Plaza
Saturday was one of the first nice days of Spring and it made for a great Fan Fest! Fans came out to enjoy live music, food, games and great photo opps with NJ and the Devils Army rig. There was a great crowd there, even the Montreal Canadian fans were out. Everyone, both young and not-so-young, loved taking shots at the nets and playing small pick-up games of hockey in the middle of Championship Plaza.
This Fan Fest had a unique addition, “The Tent,” where Devils fans got the opportunity to buy some pieces of Devils history. They had rare memorabilia, discounted team merchandise and team relics that came straight from the teams storage vault. Printed towels, pucks, bobble heads and even a few autographed sticks were up for grabs. These items have never been offered to the public, so if you noticed a low attendance of Devils fans out in Championship Plaza, it’s because they were all in “The Tent”!
Another Fan Fest is planned for Sunday, April 10th before our last game of the season. Game time is at 3PM so meet us out in Championship Plaza at 12:30PM to celebrate the incredible season with the rest of the Devils Army!
Playing at Fan Fest
Hockey Statue in Championship Plaza
Devils Army Rig
Meeting Fayne and Palmieri
Meeting players is at the top of every fans to-do list. The Devils’ players do many signings during the season and throughout the summer. This is great for the organization because it helps secure longtime fans and generate new ones. I had the pleasure of meeting Mark Fayne and Nick Palmieri this past Sunday at Miami Mike’s, in East Hanover, NJ. This season, Miami Mike’s has supported the Devils and have had multiple fan viewing parties filled with raffles and prizes, and even a guest appearance by Devils alumni Bruce Driver. This was in partnership with In the Game Collectibles. (Holmdel, New Jersey)
There was a great turnout Sunday. Many fans came to meet and greet two of the Devils rising stars. A lot of fans brought jerseys and photos to get signed. Collectibles also offered a chance to have your picture taken with the players. Then Nick and Mark would sign the picture. I thought that was a unique and cool experience. I was able to get one done myself.
Check out some of the pictures from this day here:
Fayne and Palmieri Pictures
When we hear about player signings or appearances we will be sure to spread the news. All fans should have the opportunity to meet the New Jersey Devils!
The Week Ahead
This pas
t week was a tough one for the Devils Army. Saturday’s loss to the Habs mathematically eliminated the Devils from playoff contention, in spite of the terrific run they had during the season’s second half. Nevertheless, Devils fans have a lot to look forward to this week.
For one thing, Zach is back, and wants to make an impact. In order to rebuild his confidence and get a good feel for the game going into a long break this summer, Parise wants to get a point or two under his belt in these last four games. Parise is a dynamic player and looked good in his return against Montreal, so expect him to pour it on going into the final stretch.
For another, we’ve got four great games coming up. Tuesday in Pittsburgh, New Jersey takes on the Penguins. Wednesday they come home to the Rock and take on the Maple Leafs. Saturday brings us to MSG, to take on Our Hated Rivals on their own ice. And for the final game of the season, the Devils return to New Jersey and have it out with Boston.
It’s been a long, roller coaster season, but it ain’t over yet!
Game 78: Canadiens vs. Devils – Game Preview
Game number 78. The season’s sun is setting quickly. Tonight, the New Jersey Devils will take on the “Canadiens de Montréal.”
This will be the last of four match-ups between the two clubs. The Devils have the season lead, 2-1.
The Devils kept their playoff hopes alive last night with a strong victory over the number one seeded Philadelphia Flyers. The game saw a strong outing from the line of Patrik Elias, Dainius Zubrus and Brian Rolston. Patrik Elias collected his eighth hat trick of his career earning him the number one star of the game. Brian Rolston collected three assists.
The bus-loads of Canadiens fans coming to the game tonight will be shadowed by the main attraction of the night, the return of Zach Parise. Parise will be playing in his first game since October 30 against the Kings. He has missed 65 games and the Devils have been awaiting for his presence to be back in the line up. In his career against the Canadiens, Zach has 11 goals & nine assists in 21 games. Averaging almost one point per game against the Canadiens, and the fact that it is his first game in a long time, you know Parise will be a player to watch tonight.
Getting the start for the Devils, who else: Martin Brodeur. Marty will be playing in the second of a back-to-back series. Last night, Johan Hedberg played on his head stopping most of what the Flyers threw at him. In his lifetime against his hometown club, Brodeur is 40-16-5 with 9 shutouts. If that’s not impressive enough, Brodeur has a 1.73 career goals against average.
Prudential Center will be LOUD tonight. Everyone is excited for the return of Parise and you can expect the roof to blow as soon as Parise steps onto the ice for the first time.
Game #77: Flyers @ Devils – Game Preview
The season is quickly coming to a close. After tonight the Devils will have five games remaining on their schedule. Their meeting tonight with the Philadelphia Flyers will be the sixth and final meeting between the two clubs this
season. Thus far, the Flyers lead the season series with three wins.
As much as we don’t want to admit it, the Devils’ playoffs hopes are done. There’s nothing left to do but end the season on a positive note. What would be more positive than hurting a division-rival in the standings?
Going into tonight’s game the Flyers are still in the lead in the Eastern Conference but by only ONE point over the Washington Capitals. The Flyers will play their second game of a back-t0-back series. Last night, the Flyers lost to the Atlanta Thrashers 1-0, despite outshooting the Thrashers 43-22. Hoping to turn things around, the Flyers will look to, New Jersey native, James Van Riemsdyk who has three goals in five games against the Devils this season.
The Devils look to continue the momentum they gained after beating the Islanders 3-2 on Wednesday. Despite only having one point in his last seven games, Patrik Elias always shows up to play against the Flyers as he has collected 67 points in 69 career games against the Broad Street Bullies.
A familiar face will be returning to the lineup tonight. No it is not the highly anticipated return of Zach Parise, which is scheduled for tomorrow night against Montreal. Tonight will mark the return of Johan Hedberg between the pipes. This will be the Moose’s first game played in since February 25th at Tampa Bay, which resulted in a 2-1 loss.
Tickets are still available for tonight’s match up. Show up and rock your red and show the Flyers that the Devils Army is no fools on this April Fool’s Day.
Living Under The Rock: The Season Ticket Holder’s Experience
So do you ever wonder what it’s like going to every home game of a hockey season? Here it is.
Wallet, check. Keys, check. Tickets, check. Wearing red, check. When you go to two or three games a week, those last items become a part of your daily routine. Your friends and coworkers know you’re headed to the game later because, well you’re wearing red and have your Jersey laying out in the backseat of your car. (Or trunk if you think someone will break into your car for the sole purpose of stealing your freshly stitched Kovalchuk jersey or vintage Stevens!) The Devils become a part of your day-to-day life, not a once in awhile event.
Of course the perks of being a season ticket holder are great. You get to attend exclusive events and win some awesome prizes. A few of these events allow you to meet and greet the team, and even skate in the Prudential Center with them! General Kim’s (@shadowpwny) favorite event is the team skate, she says that getting to share the same ice as the people you admire most is – awesome! I think she chose this event over the Team Barbecue because she turned Devils red when meeting Zach Parise… but that’s just my guess. During these events you get the chance to talk to the players and see how they genuinely appreciate us as fans and how normal they are – they don’t always wear those big pads, you know.
But it’s more than just the perks. It’s a whole different experience as a season ticket holder. The Prudential Center is your second home and you are as comfortable there as you are in your own living room – without the remote. Your seats are literally your seats. Other season ticket holders in your section become your neighbors. Spending 6 months out of the year with the same people who obviously have the same interests, you end up with some new friends – your section buddies. One of our own Generals, Jaime, has known the same group of fans for the past 11 years, starting in what was Continental Airlines Arena and now they all sit together in Section 225. Their friendship has gone beyond the arena and they have become a close family, participating in Fantasy Hockey leagues and even traveling together to visit other arenas to watch the Devils.
You get to know the in’s and out’s of the arena. While the majority of people are trying to squeeze down the main escalator, you now the quickest way out is to take the stairways. You also know where the best place is to get a burger and a beer before the game, exactly where each concession stand is, and where the best parking spots are – I’m not giving mine up, sorry!
The 2010-2011 was my first season as a season ticket holder and it was great! I’ve made my own section buddies and know the quickest way to a Carvel for my chocolate sundae with sprinkles during the second intermission… yes, it’s that important. I’ve gotten the chance to meet all my favorite players, experience everything the Rock has to offer and watch every single home game live. I was there for all the action; Kovalchuk’s game winning goals, Marty’s jaw-dropping saves, Travis Zajac playing his 388th consecutive game, tying the record of Ken Daneyko. Every big moment of the season I saw. When people talk about the incredible and crazy season we’ve had, I can say I was there for it all.
Get season tickets for 2011-2012, check.
Team BBQ w/ Zajac!
Kim & Zach Parise at the Team BBQ
Kim and her family with Hedberg at the Team Skate
Jaime's Devils Family
