The New Jersey Devils hosted their 2025 'Sweep The Deck Gala' on Thursday evening.
NEWARK, N.J. -- The soothing sounds from the Newark Arts High School Latin Band echoed throughout a transformed Prudential Center Thursday evening as the New Jersey Devils prepared to open their doors for their 2025 Devils Sweep the Deck Gala.
The highly anticipated Sweep the Deck Gala is the team's annual fundraising event, which benefits the Devils Youth Foundation.
"Each year, we take great pride in hosting our signature charity event, which provides a unique opportunity for our generous donors and passionate fans to connect with our players in a truly special setting," said Allison Blitzer, Chair of Devils Youth Foundation, in the press release. "Aligned with the Devils Youth Foundation's mission to provide life-changing experiences for New Jersey's youth, this annual celebration raises critical funds to support local programs and community partners in their meaningful efforts across the state."
The gala has a steep price tag, as a general admission ticket costs $850.00, while the VIP experience, which was sold out, costs $1,200.00
For a few hours, it seems financially out of reach for the average hockey fan, but its unique environment makes this event worth saving up for.
The main ice at Prudential Center is transformed into a professional curling rink, and the arena floor into a casino lounge. Poker, craps, and roulette tables lined the arena floor in front of section 3, while a multitude of various auction items were lined up across the floor in front of section 13.
An overabundance of food from mini charcuterie boards, sushi, sliders, and more as additional staff walked around the floor with appetizers.
As the players entered the space, some made their way to the curling floor while others mingled with fans on the floor. Erik Haula, Ondrej Palat, and Brett Pesce positioned themselves at the casino tables while Brenden Dillon and Justin Dowling tended the bar.
Goaltender Jacob Markstrom smiled and posed for photos with eager fans a few feet away from Brian Halonen, who had his first experience at a roulette table.
Throughout the evening, fans could mingle, get autographs, and take photos with their favorite Devils players in a laid-back environment. It starkly contrasts the players sitting behind a table signing pucks and photographs for two hours in a standard and limited autograph signing session.
"This gives us an opportunity to speak (with fans) and just be out and about," Dawson Mercer said. "To move around, see their excitement, and for us to enjoy the night, too. It is great to create that small talk and be here to support a good cause. Everyone is here with the same mentality and is in a good mood."
Nico Hischier shared that he was on IR for curling but was in good spirits despite remaining sidelined with an injury.
"It is great to see so many people show up for a great cause," Hischier said to NJD.TV. "We are hockey players, but the community is so important. We can help people in need. We care. Look around; so many people are here."
As the captain, Hischier was quite popular amongst those in attendance as he stood near the curling rink.
"It is definitely different," Hischier said of the fan interaction at Sweep the Deck. "Obviously, it mixes it up a bit, and it is great to see some of the people you have seen before and from last year's event. Just catching up, and it is great to see them. You got it all here, and it mixes it up, which makes it interesting."
"This is my favorite event that we do all year," Devils and Prudential Center President Jake Reynolds said. "It is my favorite event that I have ever been part of. When you look at who is engaged and who is involved in this, this is the entire organization coming together, from the players and the coaching staff to the front office. What makes this more special is the fact that this is the power of community.
"So this is the Devils and Prudential Center community. You have the team side, but also our fans, our sponsors, our partners, and our season ticket members, coming together to understand the difference and the impact that they can make in the lives of New Jersey's youth."
For fans looking for a relaxed way to interact with their favorite players, mingle with the team's top executives, and enjoy an abundance of food (the sushi was fantastic), all while helping a good cause, this is an event worth saving up for. It truly is a unique experience that won't be found anywhere else.
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