Mark traveled from Neptune all the way to Prudential Center with his wife and 7-month old son. Sporting a Devils jersey and a helmet with a flashing red light on top, he was excited to see what his favorite hockey team would do with the new season.
“It’s the best night of the entire season,” he said. “It’s the best night until April when we get into the playoffs.”
Hundreds of Devils fans filled Championship Plaza outside Prudential Center on Oct. 1 for pregame festivities that included Devils players walking the red carpet and signing autographs for fans. Fans got to hear live music and participate in games for kids all while celebrating New Jersey’s hockey team that has undergone a makeover in the offseason.
Since new general manager Sunny Mehta took over in April, the Devils have gotten a new look to their roster. Luke Evangelista, Evan Rodrigues and rookie Amadeus Lombardi are among the new faces for the Devils and all received favorable reactions from the Devils faithful during their arrival.
“I’m excited to see the depth,” Mark said about the offseason changes. “I’m really stoked for Lombardi. He’s been trying really hard in camp.”
Fans had an opportunity to see the new look of the team while still outside of the area. Inside the arena, fans were treated to a number of positive changes, including a revamped food selection throughout Prudential Center.
Food: Rutt’s Hut Rippers coming to NJ Devils games at Prudential Center
In-game entertainment has been revamped with new effects used when players enter the ice. Segments between play have changed, now showcasing a T-shirt cannon shooting hot dogs and cover band The Benjamins performing for the crowd in between periods.
The Devils also held a moment of silence to honor the late Claude Lemieux, who helped guide the team to its first Stanley Cup title in 1995. Lemieux died in May at the age of 60.
This article originally appeared on NorthJersey.com: Devils fans show up for their team at home opener. What they said
Read More