Woodbridge Ice Hockey Players Coached by NJ Devils

Woodbridge, NJ - Ever heard of the Woodbridge Warriors?

They're a team of special-needs hockey players from the Woodbridge area. Their needs are diverse, says coach John Eberhardt, but the players all have one thing in common: They have a serious love for ice hockey.

All winter and spring, the team travels throughout the tri-state region for games, up and down New Jersey, across Pennsylvania and even up to New York and Connecticut. They play other special-needs hockey teams.

The age range for the team is nine to 24 years old, "but we won't say 'no' to anyone due to age," said Coach Eberhardt.

And on Friday, the Warriors took part in an on-ice clinic hosted by the NJ Devils at the Prudential Center. Under the big lights of the Pru, the Woodbridge players were coached by Devils alums like Grant Marshall, Ken Daneyko and Bruce Driver. They also got to go one-on-one with the Devils mascot.

More than 130 other kids participated Friday, all part of special-needs hockey teams, like the Brick Stars, the Mercer Bulldogs, the New Jersey Dare Devils and the New Jersey Avalanche. In fact, the Woodbridge Warriors even faced off in a half-ice scrimmage against the Brick Stars. Retired Devils players Marshall and Driver coached.

"Each practice and each game gives me the opportunity to work with some great kids. We've grown into our own big family," said Coach Eberhardt. "We grow together and support each other .... and enjoy the good times together."

The Devils are the only team in the NHL that provides a clinic like this.

Photos: Patrick Dodson/Prudential Center