HOBOKEN, N.J. — The New Jersey Devils have committed $230,000 to upgrade Hoboken's hockey rink, which will be used by Hoboken's recreational programs.
The city and the hockey team announced in a joint release Monday that the revitalization will be done at no cost to taxpayers.
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The rink will retain its name, the Johnny Ray McDonald Jr. 'Diddle' Hockey Rink, in honor of the beloved local coach and father who passed away last year.
The Devils are part of the National Hockey League's Industrial Growth Fund. The foundation has committed more than $180 million to developing programming, creating initiatives, hosting events, raising awareness and providing education that brings hockey to communities across North America.
According to the Devils and Mayor Ravi Bhalla's office, the proposed improvements include:
・Removal and disposal of old boarding systems
· Link surface patching and leveling
・Installation of dasher board curb footing and new dasher board
・New link floor
The endowment, funded by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, will include the recreation department's ball hockey clinics, women's hockey initiatives, adult leagues and gameplay that the city says will be fun for kids and adults alike.
“The Devils remain committed to serving our community and growing the game of hockey, and in partnership with the City of Hoboken, we will , we hope that the rink renovations and new programs will become a reality.” We provide a fun space for fans of all ages to play the games they love. ”
Barra called the project “an example of our efforts to coordinate with local stakeholders to enhance recreational offerings and improve public spaces. We worked with the Devils organization to make this possible. I would like to sincerely thank the entire recreation department for their support.” We look forward to these renovations and the eventual ribbon cutting of the new rink!”
The New Jersey Devils are part of the 32-team National Hockey League, with teams throughout the United States and Canada. Founded in 1982, it recently celebrated its 40th season in the Garden State. Follow the Devils at NewJerseyDevils.com.
