I would like to vent about the New Jersey Devils’ 3-2 loss to the Washington Capitals, but Jeremy wrote a great blog about the loss.  I need not dwell on the Devils’ awful second period (two shots taken).  Instead, I would like to focus on giving back to the community, especially the New Jersey Devils/NJSIAA New Jersey State High School Ice Hockey Championships.

Being a former New Jersey high school ice hockey player, I have firsthand knowledge of how the Devils supported and organized ice hockey in this state.

They gave me two life-long memories: playing in the Meadowlands and an individual honor that went a long way.

One of my most memorable experiences was playing in Continental Airlines Arena for the State Championship.  This happened before the team’s recent relocation to the newly constructed Prudential Center in downtown Newark.

Now that the Devils play at the Prudential Center, I do not know if that is the new location of the State Championship.

Nevertheless, the Devils have always supported community programs, including ice hockey for children of all ages in New Jersey.

The other great thing the Devils do is the New Jersey Devils High School Player of the Month Program.

“Each month, December through February, six student-athletes, one from each of six different conferences, are selected as recipients of the award.  Public and Non-Public All-Tournament Teams will be selected in March and an overall High School Player of the Year will be chosen at the conclusion of the season.” (Devils Team Site).

I was fortunate enough to receive such an award (bragging rights are over) from the Devils organization, which really went above and beyond with their gifts.

The entire package included: an on-ice photo shoot, a complimentary dinner, an announcement of my name during the game, and tickets for the award winners and guests to a Devils game.

I am curious to see if another team in the country for that matter supports its own states’ athletes (youth included) like GM/President Lou Lamoriello and the rest of the Devils organization and players.

I think that it is a great for the community to know of the Devils’ professionalism on and off the ice and to know that they care and will make a difference.

Coming into "The Rock," you will be dazzled with a jersey from every high school team in the State of NJ.  The first time that I witnessed this, I was in awe.

For some kids, high school is the end of the line for them.  Therefore, even, if only for a brief moment, they can connect themselves with the Devils when seeing their jersey hanging there. What a feeling!

Non-Devils fans and supporters swear that it is a ploy to boost attendance, but I truly believe the Devils are interested in their community.  C'mon, the Devils placed over a hundred jerseys in their new arena.

Finally, NJ has produced some great high school hockey players that have gone on to NCAA Division I programs.

Jim Dowd, Bryan Miller, Bobby Sanguinetti, James vanRiemsdyk, Kevin Kielt, and Matt Radoslovich all played NJ high school ice hockey and have gone on to play at the higher level.

The best part about these players is that they attribute a lot of their success to their NJ High School team and the Devils’ unwavering support.

As we all know, Jim Dowd eventually won a Stanley Cup with the NJ Devils (where else), including scoring the game-winning goal in game two of the 1995 Finals that season.  The Devils went home up 2-0 and finished the 4-0 sweep with Dowd’s name etched onto Lord Stanley’s most prized possession.

A dream come true.

I would like to thank the Devils for helping support the dreams of high school hockey players everywhere.  Vanderbeek, Lou, Marty, and everyone in the New Jersey Devils organization have made dreams a reality.

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