The Jersey Girls Hockey Club, a recreational ice hockey league tailored for girls ages 5 to 12 in New Jersey, has been launched by the New Jersey Devils, the Devils Youth Foundation, and the National Hockey League (NHL®). This initiative aims to provide a supportive environment for girls to continue playing hockey alongside their peers. Registration for the club is now open on the newjerseydevils.com/jghc website.
Over 40 girls were invited to Prudential Center today to participate in an on-ice jamboree, which included a skills component led by prominent figures such as Amanda Pelke, a U.S. Olympic Gold Medalist and Devils Female Hockey Ambassador, Shelly Picard, a U.S. Olympic Silver Medalist and Assistant Coach of Long Island University’s women’s hockey team, and Devils alumni Travis Zajac, Bruce Driver, Grant Marshall, and Colin White.
Jillian Frechette, Chief Marketing Officer for the New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, expressed her excitement about the launch of the Jersey Girls Hockey Club. She stated, “We are thrilled to announce the Jersey Girls Hockey Club and create an inclusive environment where young girls can practice hockey in a fun, yet developmental way.” Frechette highlighted the league’s role in filling a void in the youth hockey space and the Devils’ commitment to supporting girls and women in hockey.
Kate Whitman Annis, Executive Director of the Devils Youth Foundation, also shared her enthusiasm for the initiative. “The Jersey Girls Hockey Club is another impactful way for the Devils Youth Foundation to provide support and grow the game we love,” said Annis. She emphasized that the project aligns with the foundation’s mission of ensuring access to sports and creating meaningful opportunities for youth across New Jersey.
This recreational hockey league is open to girls who have completed the Devils’ Learn-to-Play program, providing a safe space for them to further develop their hockey skills in a supportive team environment. The Jersey Girls Hockey Club will hold its games at the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House, the practice facility of the New Jersey Devils, every Saturday afternoon from March 23 to May 18, 2024.
Kim Davis, NHL Senior Executive Vice President of Social Impact, Growth Initiatives, and Legislative Affairs, also expressed her thoughts on the launch of the Jersey Girls Hockey Club. She highlighted the rapid growth of girls’ hockey in the United States and the significant impact of strategic philanthropy in investing in the future of women’s hockey and the growing female fanbase.
The launch event was attended by Jake Reynolds, President of New Jersey Devils & Prudential Center, and Kate Madigan, New Jersey Devils Assistant General Manager. The Devils Youth Foundation has provided funding for the Jersey Girls Hockey Club, as part of its commitment to enriching the lives of New Jersey’s youth.
The Legacy initiative, which supports community organizations in the host city of an NHL Event, has been continuing philanthropic endeavors since 2003. Through this initiative, the NHL, its Clubs, and partners have donated over $7 million to communities across North America, aiding thousands of patients in recovery, at-risk youth and families, and providing greater access to hockey for people of all ages.
The launch of the Jersey Girls Hockey Club marks an important milestone in the effort to foster the growth and development of female athletes in the hockey community, with the backing of the NHL and the commitment of the New Jersey Devils and its affiliated foundations to provide opportunities for youth in their communities.