The future of New Jersey hockey takes center stage at the “Rock” this weekend. The New Jersey Devils are set to host their annual Youth Hockey Weekend, presented by RWJBarnabas Health, on March 7-8.
The two-day celebration coincides with USA Hockey’s Hockey Week Across America and features a high-stakes slate of games. The Devils will first face off against their Hudson River rivals, the New York Rangers, on Saturday at 3:00 PM, followed by a Sunday night clash against the Detroit Red Wings at 7:00 PM.
Fans attending Sunday’s game should arrive early: the first 9,000 fans through the doors will receive a limited-edition Brett Pesce bobblehead. Pesce, who has been a stabilizing force on the Devils’ blueline this season, remains a fan favorite as the team pushes for playoff positioning in the Metropolitan Division.
The weekend is more than just a giveaway; it’s a spotlight on local resilience. The Devils and RWJBarnabas Health will honor 13-year-old Colin Medwick as part of the “Rock Star” program. Colin, a patient at The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at RWJUH who has been battling Crohn’s Disease since 2019, will be recognized for his courage and active lifestyle.
A highlight of the festivities will be the presentation of the Dr. John J. McMullen Service to New Jersey Hockey Award to Tim Mullin.
Mullin is a titan of the local hockey scene, having spent three decades coaching at Ridge High School, where he led the team to multiple state championships. His career spans several storied N.J. programs, including the Ironbound Youth Hockey Association, Montclair Blues and Bridgewater Bears.
Weekend Highlights & Youth Integration
| Event | Activity | Participants |
| Saturday Pre-game | Esports Face-off (NHL26) | PlayVS students vs. NJ Mascot & Swaggy P |
| Marquee Matchups | Intermission Youth Games | Jersey Shore Wildcats, Morristown Jr. Colonials |
| Sunday Pre-game | Sled Hockey Clinic | Challenged Athletes Foundation |
| Special Culinary | Souvenir Concessions | Zamboni lunch boxes & Goalie helmet garlic knots |
The weekend also serves as a platform for student achievement beyond the ice:
- Digital Media: Students from Passaic County Technical Institute won the “Rock Report” contest and will see their video feature on radio announcer Matt Loughlin premiere Sunday.
- Charitable Impact: Saturday’s 50/50 raffle proceeds will support NJ youth initiatives, while Sunday’s raffle will benefit Girls on the Run New Jersey.
- High School Spotlight: The weekend sets the stage for the 50th Anniversary of the NJSIAA State Championships, which will take place at the Prudential Center on Monday, March 9.
The Devils enter the weekend following a gritty 4-3 shootout win over the Maple Leafs, looking to maintain their momentum in front of a home crowd filled with the next generation of Jersey hockey stars.
