'Dancing Earl' Brought Joy, Energy to Prudential Center | FEATURE

Two years after the Prudential Center opened its doors, the camera panned to one of the ushers during a television timeout. With the music pumping, the usher started to dance.
The following game when camera again found that same usher, Earl Laycock Jr., he started moving his hips and undulating to the music. The next game Laycock Jr. again, Laycock Jr. showed off his dance moves, and just never stopped.
"They were putting cameras on us, different one of us until the camera stayed on me," Laycock told the

"Earl was the heart and soul of the PruCenter," said season-ticket holder Wendy Keller, who has been a fan since 1982 and mimicked Earl's look with many pins on her own Devils jersey. "Regardless of the score of the game, when Earl came up on the Jumbotron dancing, everyone smiled. He will be sorely missed."
Laycock, who was employed by Prudential Center since its inception in 2007, was born in New York in 1957, but moved to East Orange, New Jersey at the age of 5. As an adult he moved to Newark and settled his roots.
"To me it's a wonderful thing. I love doing what I'm doing," Laycock told the podcast. "I have a group of people that I work with that are tremendous."
And that feeling was mutual from everyone that came in contact with Earl, even in mere passing.
"During the dance cam, I always looked forward to Earl's dance routine," said Paul Silverman, the club's second-ever Devils season-ticket holder when the franchise relocated in 1982. "He brought smiles and cheers to all of the fans. When I'd walk by him during a game he would nod or wink, never showing how famous he really was. We will miss Earl."
Earl, who was a member of his high school football, wrestling and weight lifting teams, was raised on the rock and soul music of the 60s and joked that he was once told, "for a big man, you're light on your feet."
"Earl was an original at the new Prudential Center," said longtime Devils fan Zach Keller. "The organization was going through many a transition from on the ice to their new facility. Earl became a symbol of consistency, energy and joy for new fans and returning ones to rally behind. While we will always be remembered for his energy, excitement and passion, let us not forget his dedication and consistency."
Earl, who worked Sections 2 and 3, said all he wanted was to make the people in his section happy. But he didn't mind bringing the fans to their feet with his dancing. He loved the fans, and they adored him back.
"I love to bring the crowd up to a roar," he said. "I love that. I love to hear that."