"We are always looking for ways to offer our students an opportunity to play niche sports," Special Assistant, Office of Athletics, Health, & Physical Education for Newark Public Schools & Co-Founder of Hockey in NJ Keith Veltre said. "The Newark Public Schools, Office of Athletics & Extended Learning Time, were able to offer six elementary schools their own street hockey teams through our partnership with Hockey In NJ, the National Hockey League, and the New Jersey Devils. What was important was that we all agreed that we did not just want a clinic, but an opportunity for our students to practice, be part of a team, and then represent their schools in a one-day playoff and championship. The turnout was phenomenal, there were many smiles, some tears, but in the end, I feel as though we created an event our students will be excited to compete in for years to come. I have already received calls from other schools wanting their own team for next year and the hope is that we go from six to twelve teams."
Devils alumni such as Bruce Driver, Grant Marshall, Bryce Salvador, and Colin White had been a part of the different events at the school and took part in a ceremonial puck drop along with NJ Devil prior to the games on Saturday.
