One week ago, New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton and RWJBarnabas Health launched their community program “Dougie’s Buddies" and hosted Mia Andre and her family.
NEWARK, N.J. -- One week ago, New Jersey Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton and RWJBarnabas Health officially launched their community program "Dougie's Buddies."
"Connecting with our youth is a passion of mine, and it is an honor to partner with RWJBarnabas Health to launch this community program and create a meaningful experience for children and their families," said Hamilton in the official press release.
Mia Andre, an 11-year-old Learn to Play participant at Westfield Rink, was selected as the first participant and, with her father, Cameron, attended the Devils-Carolina Hurricanes game on Saturday, March 9.
The experience included tickets to the game, food and beverage, Devils merchandise, and a postgame meet-and-greet with Hamilton.
Per the Devils' Learn to Play website, "The National Hockey League and The National Hockey League Players' Association have identified the need for a unified growth strategy as a priority for the sport of hockey. As a result, the Learn to Play initiative, a joint (NHLPA/NHL) grassroots hockey initiative, was created to offer more families an opportunity to see what makes youth hockey great. For potential first-time participants in the sport, this program changes the way hockey is offered to inspire new families to join the hockey community and provide an age-appropriate program based on the latest child development research."
"I honestly wish we had known about it five or six years ago, and both our kids could have gone through (the program)," Cameron said. "We're very much advocates for the Learn to Play program."
Mia's experience concluded with that postgame meet-and-greet with Hamilton, a player she instantly gravitated to when she fell in love with hockey and the Devils.
Wearing her Hamilton jersey, Mia and her father waited for the 6-foot-6 defenseman.
Wearing a grey suit and black button-down, Hamilton walked over to Mia, sporting his signature smile. Her initial feeling of intimidation staring up at the towering player instantly washed away as the two chatted about her hockey journey and Hamilton began a lighthearted campaign for her to play defense.
"Growing up, I did not have too many opportunities as a kid to meet my heroes," Cameron said. "We were really fortunate to take part. It was wonderful."
On March 9, Mia met her hockey hero. She walked away with Hamilton's signed hockey stick and a memory that will last her and her father a lifetime. She shared that the signed stick will be hung in her room, along with a signed puck, which will be put in a protective case.
"I've met a lot of kids the past few years, and I always enjoyed that. It means a lot to them and means a lot to me as well, the connection you get with them," Hamilton said. "To be able to do it and partner with the Devils and RWJBarnabas Health, and do it as my program is really cool for me. I'm really excited to start it. Hopefully, we can grow it as it goes."
Hamilton will continue to host a young guest and their family at Devils' home games multiple times a month throughout the season.
"I don't know how anybody comes away from that experience not feeling like they want to come back tomorrow and start playing hockey," Cameron said, smiling at his daughter Mia.