New Jersey Devils Team Up With Hoboken to Launch Free Youth Ball Hockey Program This Fall
The New Jersey Devils and Hoboken are launching a free youth ball hockey program this October to get young players excited about hockey. The recently rebuilt Johnny Ray McDonald Jr. Hockey Rink at the Multi-Service Center on Grand Street will host the program, which aims to provide ice hockey to youth without access.
This program lets 5–17-year-old boys and girls in Hoboken and nearby regions learn hockey basics for free. All participants will get sticks, protective gear, and team jerseys. As families explore for fresh ways to get their kids active, the program is likely to fill rapidly when registration opens on Friday.
City authorities regard this relationship as more than a recreation program. Hoboken Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla called the launch a great opportunity for students to gain confidence, keep active, and learn collaboration via sports. Many families will expose their children to structured hockey for the first time, and expert instructors and Devils alumni will help strengthen skills and inspire.
The program runs from October 1 to November 1, with Wednesday and Saturday practices and training. The experience will be inclusive and well-structured by age grouping players to ensure each youngster receives instruction at their level. The New Jersey Devils’ marketing staff emphasizes that this is about establishing a secure and welcoming rink where every child feels like they belong.
The program launched after a large local facility investment. With $230,000, the Devils upgraded the Johnny Ray McDonald Jr. Rink’s flooring, dasher boards, and playing surface earlier this year. The organization donated $10,000 to help part-time coaches, ensuring that young players receive professional guidance.
The Devils want to improve links with New Jersey communities and grow hockey off the rink. The Devils’ Chief Marketing Officer, Jillian Frechette, said the effort shows their dedication to making hockey more accessible for families, especially in metropolitan areas where chances are scarce. By removing financial obstacles and providing a top-tier facility, the team is giving every child the chance to love the game.
Parents can expect more than drills and games. Athletic principles, including coordination, collaboration, and sportsmanship, will be taught. Each player will learn life lessons and enhance their hockey skills. With Devils alumni, kids will learn from top players, offering an unforgettable experience.
As hockey grows in New Jersey, programs like these are shaping future athletes and strengthening community relationships. Hoboken families can now take their kids to a state-of-the-art rink, pick up a stick, and enjoy the game under the guidance of trained pros.
As registration opens Friday, excitement is high and many expect the program to fill quickly. The Devils and Hoboken are starting a new era in youth recreation that combines athletic opportunity, community investment, and New Jersey’s love of hockey.
Sources:
City of Hoboken Official Statements
New Jersey Devils Press Release
Local News Reports on Hoboken Community Programs
