Three young people facing serious health challenges were recently hosted by the New Jersey Devils for a special day at the team’s practice facility. The event was organized in partnership with Make-A-Wish, Fanatics, and the Devils Youth Foundation.
Giovanni, 12, Natalie, 15, and Darby, 19, began their visit inside the Devils locker room where they found personalized jerseys and gifts waiting for them. They then watched the team practice from the bench.
After practice ended, Giovanni and Natalie were invited onto the ice to lead the team’s post-practice stretch at center ice. Several players remained on the ice afterward to work on skills with them. Giovanni practiced breakaways against goaltender Jacob Markstrom and worked on one-timers with Jack Hughes. Natalie focused on skating and passing drills with Luke Hughes.
A full-ice two-on-two game followed, featuring Jack Hughes and Giovanni against Paul Cotter and Natalie. Afterward, Jack Hughes spent time talking with Darby on the bench before taking photos and sharing stories with all three guests.
The experience continues as Giovanni, Natalie, and Darby are set to attend Saturday’s game against Pittsburgh. Their game-day activities will include watching warmups from the bench, high-fiving players as they head down the tunnel, riding the Zamboni, among other exclusive experiences.
Natalie is a hockey player for Northern Lakes Lightning in Minnesota who is currently battling cancer. Giovanni has a gastrointestinal disorder and enjoys rollerblading and swimming as a fan of the Devils. Darby lives with a heart condition and enjoys crocheting and reading.
