It has always been in P.K.'s spirit to give back and positively impact as many deserving people as possible. Subban's program is designed to evolve with the conversations of our society; the current conversations of social justice, social unrest, and the undeniable selfless work of our medical communities, our doctors and nurses, and the unsung heroes within the health care system. These conversations have inspired P.K. to expand this program beyond the police force and include Healthcare Heroes.
This season, Subban will host different groups of up to ten (10) guests every game (police officers, youth from the Newark community and frontline/healthcare workers). The virtual experience will include video call with P.K. in a designated Blueline Buddiesbranded virtual conference room, prior to the start of every home game. Thanks to our continued partnership with adidas, all participants of the program will receive a custom, one-of-a-kind Blueline Buddies t-shirt signed by P.K.
"It's about having an influence on kids who look like me coming up through the sport. Giving them that hope, in seeing where I've come from and where I am today. I feel I have the power to change lives through the sport and connect with people through this program and beyond. That's really important to me especially given the current climate," Subban said. "The one thing I want to do is bring people together and bridge the gap. So I started this program called Blueline Buddies a few years ago. The reason I called it that, actually, is not only about police officers; the blue line in hockey unifies us all. The starting five from each team, and sometimes the goaltender, stand on the blue line during the national anthem."
"Since coming to the Devils, P.K. Subban has truly immersed himself within the community, and we are elated that through this program a diverse group of Healthcare Heroes within the RWJBarnabas Health system will have an opportunity to connect with him on a more personal level," said Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health.
P.K. is excited to begin his virtual meetings with his Blueline Buddiesat all home games and hopes that these moments will provide a little extra joy and escape from these difficult times for not only the children but the many professionals that go above-and-beyond to serve their communities.
