Gary Noll Deaf NJ Devils fan: Team work results in Closed Captioning (CC) April 2023

2022-2023 Executive Team

President Trudy Stetter

Vice President

Treasurer Donna Grant

Secretary

Membership Secretary Dee Herold

Officer-at-Large

Board Members

Two-Year Term

Anthony Engstrom

Jason Bornstein,Debra Romano, Matt Sommo, Carol Struck

One-Year Term Michelle Blanchfield, Daniel Sharabba, Donna Zushma

Committee Chairpersons

Amateur Hockey

Awards

President’s Message

by Trudy Stetter

Happy April, everyone. and this season, it WILL be happy. I’ll quote Lindy Ruff here on the reason why: “We got a ticket to get in”. There are only two weeks left in the regular season (you know, the one that comes before the one that really matters) and only 3 teams have clinched a playoff berth. It seems the final few playoff teams won’t be decided until the bitter end. The last few playoff spots are closely contested – right now in the West it looks like two teams are duking it out for the second wild card spot, and the East has three teams all so closely grouped in points there’s no way to know yet which two will end up in the playoffs and which one has the long summer ahead of them. The difference is, this season, we already know that our Devils won’t be hanging up the skates just yet.

Before we get to mid -April and try to make some noise, we have to look back at March, an incredibly busy month filled with important games and milestone performances that we are so proud to call out here.

Congratulations go out to:

Debra Romano

Dee Herold

Bylaws Bob Feder

Charities

Convention NHLBC

Financial Review

March 1 – Dougie Hamilton scored his 18th goal for the season, tying the Devils team record for most goals in a season by a defenseman (Scott Stevens 1993-94).

Dawson Mercer scored and set a new Devils goal streak record with seven straight games, as well as setting a new career high for himself with 43 points (20g-23a).

Dee Herold

Andy Silverstein

Game Night Table Michelle Blanchfield

Good and Welfare Dee Herold

Hospitality

Newsletter Donna Zushma

Nominations

Special Events

Debra Romano

Trips Trudy Stetter

Burning Issues is published monthly by the Devils Fan Club, Inc., and mailed to all members of record, in good standing. All materials submitted are subject to editorial approval and will become the property of the Devils Fan Club, Inc. and will not be returned. We reserve the right to edit any portion of any article. The opinions expressed in this publication are strictly those of the authors and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Devils Fan Club, Inc., its officers or the New Jersey Devils.

The Devils Fan Club, Inc. operates as an independent, volunteer organization, to support the New Jersey Devils and to promote a greater interest in the sport of hockey. The editors welcome any ideas, articles or comments at the following address: Burning Issues, c/o The Devils Fan Club, 165 Mulberry St., Newark, NJ 07102. “The New Jersey Devils name and logo are registered trademarks of the New Jersey Devils.”

March 3 – Akira Schmid faced his first career penalty shot, denying William Karlsson.

Dawson Mercer extended his career-high point streak to eight games, tying the franchise record for the longest goal streak (Paul Gardner, 1977-78, Colorado Rockies).

March 5 – The Devils earned their 10th overtime win, marking the most overtime wins in a single season in franchise history. The team’s 41 wins after 61 games played from the start of a season are also the most in franchise history.

Timo Meier scored his first goal in his first game as a Devil.

Jesper Boqvist scored two goals in a game for the first time in his career.

Lindy Ruff coached his 200th game with New Jersey.

March 9 – Dawson Mercer earned the secondary assist on Nico Hischier’s first-period goal, extending his career-high point streak to 12 games and became the only skater in franchise history under the age of 22 to log a 12-game point streak..

(Continued on page 3)

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For the first time in NHL history, four players from Switzerland played on the same NHL roster in a game (Nico Hischier, Timo Meier, Akira Schmid, Jonas Siegenthaler).

Akira Schmid earned his first career shootout win.

March 11 – Nico Hischier set a new career high in points with 61 (28g-33a).

March 12 –Erik Haula played in his 600th NHL game.

Jack Hughes had his 27th multi-point game of the season, tying the Devils all-time record (Taylor Hall 2017-18).

March 14 – Curtis Lazar played in his 450th NHL game, his first as a Devil.

March 15 – The Devils partnered with Prudential Center and Citizens in Food Forward Jersey. The program focuses on food rescue, monetary donations, volunteer efforts, awareness and education.

March 16 - Damon Severson earned his 198th career assist and officially passed Andy Greene to take sole possession of fifth-place all-time for assists earned by a defenseman in franchise history.

March 18 –Curtis Lazar led the Devils with five hits on the night.

March 19 - The Devils earned their NHL-leading 26throad win (tied, Boston) of the 2022 -23 campaign. To do so, they completed their 23rd comeback victory of the season, tying a franchise record earned in 2017-18. The 23 comeback wins ranks first in the NHL this season, ahead of Toronto (22).

Jesper Bratt earned his first career hat-trick which included his 30th goal of the season and 100th career goal.

Nico Hischier scored his 30th goal of the season.

Damon Severson extended his point streak to four games (1g-3a) and earned his 200th career assist.

March 12 – Jack Hughes collected three points (2g-1a) in his 28th multi-point game of the season, passing Taylor Hall for the Devils all-time record in that category.

March 25 – The Devils clinched a playoff spot for the first time in 4 years.

Dougie Hamilton scored his 19th goal

of the season, achieving a new career high in goals and points with 68 (19g49a) and setting a new franchise record for goals by a defenseman in a season.

We offer very special congratulations to Bruce Driver, New Jersey Devils alum, Stanley Cup winner, former captain, and the Morristown-Beard School Girls Ice Hockey Coach, for their third straight state title! Bruce has always supported the Devils Fan Club; we know how hard he works and the effort he puts into all of his activities. We are very happy to congratulate him on his team’s achievement.

A heartfelt thank you to Adam Hamway, New Jersey Devils public address announcer, for his first guest appearance at our February DFC meeting (held in early March due to snow postponement). He shared his amazing background as comedian, impressionist, and impersonator! Now we have a better idea of who the man behind the voice is, and we are so glad we got to spend time with him.

A huge thank you, too, to our very good friend Glenn “Chico” Resch who joined us for our March meeting, recounting many stories of our favorite team from the “good old days” as well as today!

There’s not much time left in the regular season, but there area few home games left which should be very exciting as the Devils position themselves for the playoffs. Encourage family and friends to take advantage of our last game promotions of the season. You can check them out at https:// NewJerseyDevils.com/DevilsFanClub. Let’s head out into the beautiful spring weather and then head right back indoors to fill the Rock with red. Let the Devils know their fans are there for them. The energy and support for our team has been growing all season and know that when you can feel the building shake from the crowd’s enthusiasm, so can the boys on the bench and on the ice. It is incredible, and motivating, and gives the Devils some extra juice, spurring them on to greater levels of play. Proceeds from the promotion, as always, go to our DFC charities, primarily youth hockey endeavors.

One of those youth hockey events took place last weekend as we volunteered to help with a middle school ball hockey tournament at Prudential Center for 6 local teams, designed to teach the chil-

dren about sportsmanship, exercise, and nutrition, in addition to hockey. The Devils Fan Club provided the jerseys for the children, which included the Devils, DFC, and Devils Youth Foundation logos in addition to each middle school name, giving the children some identity and their school to play for. What a fun day it was for all involved. A special thank you to those Fan Club members who volunteered!

Our last away game watch of the season will be for the last game of the season on Thursday, April 13, 2023 at Uno Pizzeria & Grill, River Front Center, Rte 3 West, Clifton, NJ. We will have some awesome prizes, great food and amazing camaraderie! Come out and join the fun. Please note, there is a maximum number of participants for this event.

In early March we completed our trips for the season with 31 members visiting Las Vegas and the fortress. Let us hope next season’s schedule is conducive to more trips! We sure hope you can join us in spreading a little Jersey around North America next season.

Information on this year’s 2023 NHLBC Convention in Columbus, OH is available on our website and at our game night table. Further information is included later in this newsletter. Consider going and showing the rest of the league’s booster clubs what Jersey is all about!

DFC elections are right around the corner. We are eager for you to join in and share your support, special interests, and skills. Come out and support your fan club, the best fan club in the NHL. We welcome everyone who loves the red, white, and black. Help us attract new members by staffing our game night table on the arena concourse during games or add your marketing skills to our email reminders to entice our members. Or, you could join our social media team to promote the DFC on Face book and other platforms. Our special events committee can always use a hand planning activities of interest to our members as well.

Most of all, be sure to come and support the Devils for the rest of the regular season, and beyond!

SEE YOU AT THE ROCK!

DEVILS HOCKEY LIVE IT EAT IT BREATHE IT

DFC Looking for CPA to File IRS 990

by Trudy Stetter, President.

The Devils Fan Club is a not for profit entity incorporated in the State of New Jersey as a 501 (c) (3) exempt organization.

We file an IRS Form 990 annually per the Internal Revenue Code.

One of our very long time members has been preparing this submission for us for many years. He is retiring and will no longer renew his CPA license.

The Devils Fan Club is looking for someone who might be willing to help us with the annual filings. Please contact us at president@devilsfanclub.org if you are interested or know anyone who might be willing to help.

Amateur Hockey

I would like to thank all who volunteered their time for the Newark middle schools Ball Hockey Tournament, which took place at Prudential Center on Saturday, March 18th.

There will be 2 championship games played on Saturday, April 1st and Sunday, April 2nd The time will be approximately 2:00 -4:30pm. We will be looking for volunteers for score and time keeping. More information will follow about the championship game and signups.

Thank you,

Debbie Amateur Hockey Committee

2022-2023 DFC Membership Cards

The 2022-2023 DFC Membership cards for renewing and new members are available for pickup at home games and General Meetings or will be mailed. Please pick up your cards in person as we have an anniversary gift accompanying the cards. Since this year marks the DFC’s 40th anniversary, the same year the Devils came to New Jersey, we have a special gift for our members. That gift cannot be mailed. If you would like to designate someone to pick up your gift, please email us at president@devilsfanclub.org to let us know of the designee.

Coaching Youth Hockey

by Bruce Driver / Clare Wharton

Former New Jersey Devil defenseman and Devils Alumni Director, Bruce Driver and co -author Clare Wharton have written a book entitled The Baffled Parent’s Guide to Coaching Youth Hockey.

Topics include: explanations and diagrams of drills suitable for all levels, finding an assistant coach, setting up a season, practice plans, creating good habits, basics of the game, rules, safety and teaching essential skills. In this book, Bruce has included all the information necessary for understanding and coaching youth hockey with a consistent emphasis on enjoying the game.

Published by McGraw-Hill, this paperback contains 240 pages, 150 illustrations and lists at $15.00. DFC members can purchase book(s) at $15.00 each at any DFC Membership Meeting. If you would like your book autographed by Bruce or Clare, you must first purchase the book. You will receive your autographed copy at the next DFC General Meeting.

DFC Hotline

201-768-9680

Please listen to the mailbox options before making your selection. Members are reminded to speak slowly and clearly leaving your full name, DFC number, contact telephone number(s) and the best time(s) to contact you.

DFC Website

http://www.devilsfanclub.org

Visit the Devils Fan Club website to learn more about who we are and what we do, to see our calendar of events for the season (meetings, trips, member events, community events, amateur hockey and discount ticket offers), and to find the latest trip, event and membership sign up forms and information. You can also see our latest announcements, links to our Social Media profiles and information about how to contact us on our website.

DFC Social Media @NJDevilsFanClub (Devils Fan Club, Inc.) on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram

Follow us on our different Social Media platforms to stay up to date and become interactive with the Devils Fan Club. Please send fan club event photos to facebook@devilsfanclub.org or tag us on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram at @NJDevilsFanClub.

DFC YouTube

https://www.youtube.com/@NJDevilsFanClub

Moving? Have an Updated Email Address

or Phone Number?

Please notify the Devils Fan Club if you have changed, or are planning on changing, your address, telephone number, or email address. Please email us at membership@devilsfanclub.orgwith your OLD and NEW info as well as your membership number. This is the only way you can continue to receive the latest DFC information.

Contact Us

Email your questions to us at info@devilsfanclub.org or reply to any of our email blasts.

DFC Star Players for the Month of February 2023

DEVILS STAR PLAYER OF THE MONTH

The New Jersey Devils player with the most stars as voted by the media for the games played in January was Dawson Mercer. Second was Nico Hischier and third was Tomas Tatar.

Thanks to our sponsors Marc and Michael Brummer and Hobby’s Delicatessen & Restaurant.

2022-2023 Devils Black Jersey Schedule

Tuesday April 11 Buffalo 7:00PM

2022-2023 Devils Reverse Retro Jersey Schedule Completed

DEVILS PLAYER OF THE MONTH DFC MEMBER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

The Player of the Month for January was Jack Hughes. Second was Dawson Mercer and third was Dougie Hamilton.

The DFC Member of the Month in February was Anthony Engstrom

Thanks to our sponsors Lou Viola, Paul Rankin and Uno Pizzeria & Grill.

DEVILS PLAYER OF THE MONTH DFC MEMBER OF THE MONTH AWARDS

The Player of the Month for February was Jack Hughes. Second was Dawson Mercer and third was Jesper Bratt.

The DFC Member of the Month in March was Michael Small

Thanks to our sponsors Lou Viola, Paul Rankin and Uno Pizzeria & Grill.

Dawson Mercer 1st place

Nico Hischier 2nd place

Tomas Tatar 3rd place

DFC Player for the Month of January, 2023

Jack Huges 1st place

Dawson Mercer 2nd place

Dougie Hamilton 3rd place

DFC Player for the Month of February, 2023

Jack Hughes 1st place

Dawson Mercer 2nd place

Jesper Bratt 3rd place

Teamwork Results in Closed Captioning

A few years ago, Gary Noll, a NJ Devils Fan Club deaf member and his DFC team requested live captions on 4 scoreboards or ribbon boards, also available through mobile captioning during NJ Devils hockey games. Of course Seton Hall University was involved. Most DFC fans and tickets holders have been aware of the need for closed captioning. All of the planning, discussion and work came together for the recent ASL day at Prudential Center on Sunday, March 12, 2023.

They were instrumental in a successful ASL group event, that involves communication technology, Picture in Picture for ASL anthem group and camera shoot on deaf fans, ASL translator in marketing activation, such as trivia for the first time,

Gary Noll, deaf member and my NJ Devils Fan Club did it again, made another new push for better communication technology. NJ Devils just launched new mobile captioning QR code advertisement for first time on March 12, 2023. DFC agreed to keep monitoring and make a push for better accessibility and communication technology for everyone.

Rachel Rosen from NJ Devils organization and her team hosted successful NJ Devils American Sign Language, ASL, group event on March 12, 2023. NJ Devils did great job on communication technology

For the next NJ Devils ASL group event or theme night, Gary Noll and DFC will push harder for ASL signer during the public address announcement.

ASL anthem group by Ocean County College

Deaf fan, ASL translator and NJ Devils announcer

Photos by Gary Noll

Game Night Table

Are you interested in Devils hockey? Do you want to meet and talk with other Devils fans? If you have answered yes to either of these questions, why not join other club members and work the Devils Fan Club Table?

Time: During home games of The New Jersey Devils Place: The main concourse behind Section 9 at Prudential Center, next to the Sky Bridge door and the 50 -50 cash-in station.

The Fan Club is currently seeking members (18 years or older) interested in staffing the DFC Game Night Table during every Devils home game. If this is your first time working the game night table, you must be at the arena at least 1 hour before the gates open. During that time, you will learn the procedures and understand all of the forms and information used by the DFC before the doors open.

THIS IS A WORKING EVENING.

Any member (18 years or older) who is interested in volunteering to serve on this committee should contact the Game Night Table Committee, mail box # 5 on the DFC Hotline at 201-768-9680. Please speak slowly and clearly leaving your full name, address, city, state, zip code, home telephone number including area code and e-mail address. An information letter will be sent or e-mailed to you and the committee will follow up with a telephone call. Or contact us at: GameNightTable@devilsfanclub.org Or contact us on line at Signup Genius at: http://devilsfanclub.org/GameNightTableSignup

Beer Wine Cocktails

MarinaraSauce

FraDiavoloSauce

PestoSauce

VodkaSauce

AlfredoSauce

Special Events

By Debbie Romano

The Devils Fan Club held a Game Watch on Saturday March 18th , against the Tampa Bay Lighting. The Game Watch took place at Uno Pizzeria & Grill, 426 NJ-3 West, Clifton, NJ. We had 25 members and guests attend to watch the game. It was a wonderful time with great friends watching and cheering on the Devils!! We also had a game benevolence and autographic treasures.

Our next Game Watch will be on Thursday, April 13th against the Washington Capitals. This will also be at Uno Pizzeria & Grill. There is a limit of 25 people. Signup for the Game Watch is at the end of the Burning Issue, Game Night Table and also on our website. This is our last Game Watch for the regular season.

Please watch for possibly more Game Watches.

See you at the Rock!!!!

2023 NHLBC Convention –Columbus, OH Wild Life Columbus ‘23

NHLBCC 2023 will take place in Columbus, OH August 11-13, 2023.

Join fellow Devils Fan Club members and other hockey fans at the 51st Annual 2023 NHL Booster Club Convention (BCC) in Columbus, OH, hosted by the Jacket Backers. The convention is scheduled for Friday, August 11th through Sunday, August 13th with pre-convention activities starting Monday, August 7, 2023. The convention package is available on our website, www.devilsfanclub.org.

Your home away from home is The Hilton Columbus/Polaris, 8700 Lyra Drive, Columbus, Ohio, 43240. (614) 885-1600. Cost: single: $620. Double: $455. Triple: $410. Quad: $380. Children under 16 with parent$180. Extra nights in the hotel will be available at the following rates per room per night. This rate does not include applicable taxes. Single and double: $169. To book the extra nights, make your requests on your registration form. The Jacket Backers will book the convention package rooms for Friday and Saturday nights and the extra nights.

Deposit of $125 plus trip money was due November 1, 2022. Second payment of $125 plus preconvention trips was due December 1, 2022. Third payment of $125 was due March 1, 2023. Final payment of remaining balance is due April 1, 2023. Payments are made to: Devils Fan Club, 25 Lafayette Street, Newark, NJ 07102. Attention: NHLBCC 2023.

Download all of the convention literature and forms at the DFC web site. http://www.devilsfanclub.org/ NHLBCC.html or contact the DFC Convention Committee at the DFC Hotline 201-768-9680, mail box #6 or at nhlbcc@devilsfanclub.org. Feel free to stop by the DFC Game Night Table at any home game and ask for the ET member staffing the game.

Find NHLBCC information and activities at http://nhlboosters.weebly.com/

Of course, as always, there is a Camp NHLBCC 2023 T-Shirt @ $20. Order form is at the end of the convention package.

Join Wild Life Columbus 2023 with fellow hockey fans.

Metro Mug 2022-2023 Schedule

Note: 2 points for a win, 1 point for overtime loss.

Standings as of January 8, 2023

2022-2023 DFC Calendar of Events

The following dates are tentative and are listed for planning purposes.

April April General Meeting Wilshire Grand Hotel & Conference Center 7:30PM

Mon April 17 Tentative Playoff Start

May May General Meeting Wilshire Grand Hotel & Conference Center 7:30PM

Thu June 8 Stanley Cup Final Round begins

Sat June 10 Valerie Fund Walk Verona Park

June June General Meeting Wilshire Grand Hotel & Conference Center 7:30PM

Sun June 18 Last possible game 7 Stanley Cup final date

Fri-Sat June 28-29 NHL Draft Nashville

Tues July 18 Ken Daneyko Golf Annual Tournament Center For Great Expectations-Fiddlers Elbow

Sun Oct 29 Running With The Devils South Mountain Recreation Complex

Sun Oct 29 2023 Tim Horton’s NHL Heritage Classic Commonwealth Stadium Edmonton Vs Calgary 2024

Jan 1 Winter Classic

Feb 2-3 All-Star Weekend

T-Mobile Park Kraken Vs Vegas Golden Knights

Scotiabank Arena, Toronto

Did You Know?

11:00AM

….that Timo Meier is only the seventh player in franchise history to wear a number that is 90 or higher and the first to wear number 96?

MARCH 2023 PLAYER OFTHE MONTH BALLOT

VOTE NOW …. for The Devils Fan Club Player of the Month. Cast your ballot for the three Devils players who exhibited superior play in March. Players are awarded 5 points for a first place vote, 3 points for second and 1 point for third. At the end of the season, the player with the highest annual percentage of votes will win the DFC PLAYER OF THE YEAR AWARD. Deadline is the April 2023 General Meeting. Balloting will be done in person.

My votes:

My name, membership # & phone #

DEVILS FAN CLUB GAME WATCH

COME WATCH THE DEVILS TAKE ON WASHINGTON CAPITALS

When: Thursday, April 13, 2023

6:30pm - ? (Game time 7:00pm)

Limit: 25 members

Where: Uno Pizzeria & Grill

426 NJ Rt. 3 West Clifton, NJ 07012

Located in: River Front Center

Cost P/P: $20.00 DFC members and guests (Min. 20 people-Max. 25 people)

(Includes: salad, assorted pizzas, dessert, soda, coffee, tea, tax and gratuity)

Dessert: Dessert is provided

Activities: Game benevolence, autographed treasures!

Payment in full required by:April 6, 2023

4/13/23 UNO PIZZERIA & GRILL–WASHINGTON AWAY GAME WATCH

RESERVATION FORM

NAME: _______________________________________ DFC MEMBERSHIP #

ADDRESS: APT: _________ Floor: ___

CITY: ____ STATE: ___ ___ ZIP:

HOME PHONE: ( ) ______- _ CELL PHONE: ( ) -

E-MAILADDRESS: ____________________________________________________________________

TOTAL NUMBER ATTENDING: _________ X COST: P/P: $20.00 = $___________________

RESERVATION:

DATE

AMOUNT CHECK #

CASH

DFC use only

NAME(S) OF MEMBER(S) ATTENDING DFC # NAME(S) OF MEMBER(S) ATTENDING DFC # ____________________________________ _______ __________________________________ _________ ____________________________________ _______ __________________________________ _________

MAKE CHECK OR MONEY ORDER PAYABLE TO: DEVILS FAN CLUB, INC.

MAIL TO: DEVILS FAN CLUB,

ATTN: UNO PIZZERIA & GRILL – AWAY GAME WATCH 4/13/23 25 LAFAYETTE STREET, NEWARK, NJ 07102 – 3611

Devils Fan Club

Prudential Center

25 Lafayette Street

Newark, NJ 07102-3611

First Class Mail

DFC General Meeting

April XX, 2023

7:30 PM

SPECIAL GUEST: TBA

Chicago Deep Dish Pizza Invented in 1943

Steak, Pasta, Salads & Specialties

River Front Center, Rte 3W, Clifton 973-5741303

Full Bar and Satellite Dish for Sports

The General Meeting will be held at The Wilshire Grand Hotel

350 Pleasant Valley Way, West Orange, NJ 07052 (973-731-7007)

From the New Jersey Turnpike North or South: Take Exit 15W to Route 280West. Take Exit 7; turn right at the stop sign onto Pleasant Valley Way towards Verona. You will proceed through 4 traffic lights (approximately 1.1 miles). The entrance to The Wilshire Grand Hotel is on the right.

From the Garden State Parkway North or South: Take Exit 145 to Route 280 West. Take Exit 7; turn right at the stop sign onto Pleasant Valley Way towards Verona. You will proceed through 4 traffic lights (approximately 1.1 miles). The entrance to The Wilshire Grand Hotel is on the right. Parking is available on site.

You must be a Current Member to attend any General Meeting

** New and renewal membership applications are accepted at each meeting**