P.K. Subban's Blueline Buddies Expands to Healthcare Heroes

NEWARK, NJ - Looking to creative a positive presence in the community, New Jersey Devils defenseman P.K. Subban has expanded his grassroots initiative Blueline Buddies to include healthcare workers from RWJ Barnabas Health as the program transitions to a virtual experience for the remainder of the 2021 NHL season.

What started as a way to honor the hard work and sacrifices of police officers now extends to those who have been essential on the frontline that have worked tirelessly throughout this pandemic. These workers include doctors, nurses, patient reps, security guards, social workers, food services and housekeeping staff.

Subban’s program is designed to evolve with the conversations of our society; the current conversations of social justice, social unrest and the undeniable selfless work of our medical communities, our doctors and nurses, and the unsung heroes within the health care system.

These conversations have inspired P.K. to expand this program beyond the police force and include Healthcare Heroes. This season, Subban will host different groups of up to ten (10) guests every game (police officers, youth from the Newark community and frontline/healthcare workers).

While, the virtual experience will include video call with P.K. in a designated Blueline Buddies branded virtual conference room, prior to the start of every home game. Through the Devils' continued partnership with adidas, all participants of the program will receive a custom, one-of-a-kind Blueline Buddies t-shirt autographed by Subban.

"It's about having an influence on kids who look like me coming up through the sport," suggested Subban, who was voted the best social media athlete to follow by the NHLPA last season. "Giving them that hope, in seeing where I've come from and where I am today. I feel I have the power to change lives through the sport and connect with people through this program and beyond."

"That's really important to me especially given the current climate,” the 12-year NHL veteran added.

For Subban, a black hockey player that has endured racism from fans earlier in his career, he looks to bring change to society for the better.

“The one thing I want to do is bring people together and bridge the gap," he said. "So I started this program called Blueline Buddies a few years ago. The reason I called it that, actually, is not only about police officers; the blue line in hockey unifies us all. The starting five from each team, and sometimes the goaltender, stand on the blue line during the national anthem.”

Meanwhile, Subban has been a model player on and off the ice for the Devils. Through the team's first 17 games, he has the fourth most assists (7) and has been running point on the power play.

His value off the ice has been identified with the team's official healthcare partner.

“Since coming to the Devils, P.K. Subban has truly immersed himself within the community, and we are elated that through this program a diverse group of Healthcare Heroes within the RWJBarnabas Health system will have an opportunity to connect with him on a more personal level,” explained Barry H. Ostrowsky, President and Chief Executive Officer, RWJBarnabas Health.

The former James Norris Memorial Trophy winner for best defenseman of the year hopes that these moments will provide a little extra joy and escape from these difficult times for not only the children but the many professionals that go above-and-beyond to serve their communities.

Tonight, the Devils will be hosting their first home game at the Prudential Center with fans in nearly a full calendar year when they take on the division rival New York Islanders. While there is a 10% capacity mandate in effect, there will undoubtedly be plenty of buzz throughout the arena for entertainment starved fans who have long awaited for this day to come.