Devils Spread Holiday Cheer at Children's Hospitals in New Jersey

NEWARK, NJ – The New Jersey Devils spent some time off the ice on Tuesday afternoon making the rounds to help spread some holiday cheer to children and staff at 11 different RWJ Barnabas Health Medical Centers across the state to give back to the community. It is tradition that began during their inaugural season in 1982.

Children and their families were surprised with beanies and toys that New Jersey Devils players and alumni distributed in each of the medical centers.

“I’m too excited, I don’t know what to say,” said Nehemiah Garrett, the smiling 10-year-old at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel after the visit. “It was just so cool and I’m glad that I got to see all the players today.”

Garrett, a native of Newark had spent the last two weeks receiving treatment for Hemoglobin SS disease, the most common form of sickle cell disease.

“I am at a loss for words and I am surprised that he is too,” his mother Rosalyn Garrett explained. “It is so amazing to see. This is a great surprise for him.”

Kyle Palmieri, Jack Hughes and Sami Vatanen worked in tandem to visit children at the Children’s Hospital of New Jersey at Newark Beth Israel as their teammates, alumni and staff made visits to other medical centers.

“Today is about giving back to the community especially at this time of year when they’re in need and spreading some holiday cheer this afternoon,” suggested Devils right winger Palmieri. “It’s a special time for us to be able to come here and put some smiles on children’s faces.”

Palmieri, who is in his fifth year with the Devils organization grew up in Montvale, New Jersey and played high school hockey for St. Peter’s Prep. He has team high 12 goals and 20 points this season.

“It’s an incredible opportunity for me having grown up here in New Jersey and now being in a position to give back to the community,” Palmieri added. “Just before one of the doctor’s twin kids both played for Devils youth programs and obviously that’s my old team.”

Meanwhile the 18-year-old rookie center Hughes was participating in his first-ever hospital visit.

“It’s obviously the giving season, so it’s nice to be here during a time in need,” Hughes suggested. “I’m glad to be here with some of my teammates and hopefully make a few smile and give them a good day.”

Hughes was a key addition to the Devils organization this season and had been thrown into the spotlight after being drafted with the first-overall pick this past June. He has embraced the role of having the platform to give back to the community.

“I have a really good platform to make people happy and give them joy,” Hughes added. “For me that’s very important and something I want to continue to be able to do.”

In addition, the Devils unveiled new “Future Prospect” onesies that will be given to babies born at RWJBH’s eight maternity wards from December 17 through the New Year.

The visit was well-received by patients and their families as well as staff.

“It means a lot to the kids and the staff for these players to take time out of their busy schedules during the holidays,” said Joshua Rosenblatt, chairman of the Department of Pediatrics at Newark Beth Israel Children’s Hospital. “Our patients and their families love it. It’s an opportunity for our patients to feel special – it brings smiles to their faces during a time when smiles are short.”

Other visits at RWJBarnabas Health Care Centers included:

· Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Somerset

· Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital Hamilton

· Community Medical Center

· Monmouth Medical Center

· Clara Maass Medical Center

· Jersey City Medical Center

· The Bristol-Myers Squibb Children’s Hospital at Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

· Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital

· Saint Barnabas Medical Center

For the Devils, giving back to the community is in the team's DNA, but their annual holiday giveback day is always something special and it is an event the organization prides itself on every year. The children certainly appreciate it, and that's what matters most during the holidays.