Last weekend, the NJ Colonial Coaches hosted the NJ Devil Alumni at Mennen Arena for a benefit hockey game. The “War to Restore NJ, Hockey Night in Morristown” was the brain-child of Sue DeBoer, (Peter DeBoer’s wife) and the first time the NJ Colonial Coaches played the Devils alumni in a charity event. Monies were raised for local charities to assist those in need affected by Hurricane Sandy, including the Hurricane Sandy New Jersey Relief Fund founded by Mary Pat Christie. In addition to 100% of the proceeds going to charity, there was also a food drive for the Interfaith Food Pantry serving the Morris County Area.

Ken Daneyko, Bruce Driver, John MacLean and Sergei Brylin along with a suited-up coach Peter DeBoer showed their hockey prowess that night. Joining them were Grant Marshall, Dave Barr, Jim Dowd as well as many other Devil alums who made that night special. The roster for the NJ Colonials consisted of coaches that have played for colleges such as, Boston College, U Mass, University of Michigan, Montreal, Colgate, several SUNY schools, as well as professional play in Sweden and the CHL.

The two teams certainly gave the fans starving for hockey something fun to watch. Both teams played with grit and finesse and it ended in a nail biting shoot-out with the NJ Colonial coaches prevailing for a 7-6 win. Prior to the game I asked Noel Rubin, Hockey Director for the NJ Colonials, his thoughts and he said, “This is not about the Colonials organization, but about the people who suffered devastation with Hurricane Sandy. It is real nice that we, The Colonials, can help and support the people who lost so much. We are happy to join forces with the Devils to make this a great event. This is the first Devils/Colonials game. The coaching staff, organization, and membership are all very excited for Friday night.”

The Devils Alumni and NJ Colonial coaches came together and brought us a fun and exciting game. It raised needed monies and replenished the local food bank. These are the people in our own communities and the communities of the NJ Devil fans. It is beyond heartbreaking to see what has happened to our state of New Jersey. Several weeks have passed since Hurricane Sandy touched ground in our area. The damage and destruction is still overwhelming, and the recovery will take quite some time, especially down at the shore.

It is unimaginable that a pile of rubble could have been someone’s home. A place that was once safe and secure is now replaced with uncertainty. In times of crisis strength is summoned and the shore will be rebuilt: for those that call it their home; where children are raised, and empty nesters retire. For those that vacation at the shore, it was the only time of the year that several generations of families spent a week together under one roof. Lazy days at the beach, the rickety wooden roller coaster at Seaside, the merry-go-round at Fantasy Island and the boardwalk fries.

Yes, things are turned upside down, but that is only for now. It will rebuild because that is who we are. There is plenty of work ahead, and although the magnitude of it may not be solved by one night of hockey, hockey does have heart, and it was one step towards many more to move ahead.

Jersey’s team, Jersey’s community and Jersey Strong.