Devils Honor Service Members on Military Appreciation Night

NEWARK, NJ – The New Jersey Devils paid tribute to active servicemen and veterans throughout the game on Saturday evening’s 2-1 home win over the Florida Panthers, continuing an annual tradition on Military Appreciation Night at the Prudential Center.

During pre-game warm-ups, the Devils’ players donned special edition military jerseys, which will be autographed and auctioned off online. USO Show Troupe performed the National Anthem and more than 200 representatives from USS The Sullivans and the USS Hué City filled the aisles of the arena during the performance.

Throughout the game the Devils celebrated the stories of current and retired military personnel while raising money through the night’s 50/50 raffle in addition to the auction’s proceeds for the non-profit organization Homes for Our Troops, which dedicates its efforts to building and donating custom homes nationwide for severely injured post – 9/11 veterans.

John Beatrice, a 96-year-old World War II veteran, who was the recipient of the Asiatic-Pacific Campaign and The Army Good Conduct medals was recognized as the Hero of the Game.

"You look back and there's not too many men or women left who served in that war,” Devils forward and alternate captain Kyle Palmieri said of the Devils honoring Beatrice. “Obviously, the shape and mold of this planet, World War II was a pretty big part. To be able to meet somebody who went through that, it's an honor for all of us."

Palmieri, who scored the game-deciding power play goal off a one-timer in the second period, launched the Squad 21 military recognition initiative last year in an effort to celebrate active and retired servicemen with tickets to Devils home games.

"The military has been a part of my family for a long time, but especially now with my sister and brother-in-law serving our country,” explained Palmieri. “I've always held people who do that in very high regard for the sacrifices they make."

Through the first 16 games of the season, the Devils hold a two-point lead in the Metropolitan Division.

Prior to the start of the season, the Devils participated in a three-day team bonding visit to the United States Military Academy at West Point. Among the most daunting tasks was a team-building exercise where groups of players needed to carry a 150-pound rock up the 1,283-foot Bear Mountain. The trip was geared towards bringing the Devils closer off the ice and based on the early success of the team, the visit is paying its dividends.

The Devils will look to continue their winning ways on the road as they take on the Chicago Blackhawks on Sunday evening at the United Center.