NJ Devils & USA Hockey Hockey Weekend Across America

USA Hockey’s ninth annual “Hockey Weekend Across America” runs from Fridaym February 19 through Sunday, February 21 with the New Jersey Devils participating in events throughout the weekend.

The Devils will kick off the weekend on Friday night as they host the New York Islanders when they hold their annual equipment drive to benefit local hockey programs throughout New Jersey. Fans attending the game are encouraged to donate new or slightly used hockey equipment as they enter the Prudential Center prior to the game. In exchange for making a donation, fans will receive a voucher for two tickets to an upcoming home game.

In a partnership with the National Hockey League Officials Association, the team will also host two youth officials, Nick Casais, from Wall Township and Alec Casiero, from Raritan providing them with the opportunity to meet the officials assigned to the game and skate with them during their opening lap around the ice prior to the National Anthem.

The local hero of the game will be Maureen Thompson, from Dayton, representing the Atlantic Amateur Hockey Association. Thompson has worked with the AAHA since 2012, serving as the organization’s Grow the Game and American Development Coordinator. She also serves on boards of the New Jersey Youth Hockey League and Princeton Youth Hockey Association.

Friday is also “Wear Your Favorite Jersey Day.” As part of the day USA Hockey encourages youth hockey players and fans to wear their hockey jerseys.

Saturday the Devils will host a free Try Hockey Clinic at their practice facility, the Amerihealth Pavilion in Newark, starting at 9:00 AM. The clinic is designed for children between the ages of four and nine to receive the opportunity to experience the game of hockey for free.

Devils alumnus Bruce Driver, the Devils mascot and USA Hockey coaches will be on hand at the clinic to teach the kids the basics of the sport. To register for the clinic, fans can visit www.tryhockeyforfree.com.

Fans can share the photos of their jerseys and everything else they experience throughout the weekend using the hashtags #HockeyJerseyDay and #HHWA.