Toms River High School Ice Hockey Captains Honored By NJ Devils

NEWARK, NJ — The ice hockey team captains from Toms River High School South got to experience a dream moment Tuesday: setting foot on the ice at the Prudential Center, home of the New Jersey Devils.

For the 11th year, the Devils hosted the captains of high school ice hockey teams from throughout the state; this year's event included 234 players from 93 schools, including five girls teams.

The Captains Night event has annually kicked off the high school season since 2007. The 2016-17 high school season opens in 10 days, with practice beginning Nov. 7. Games begin Nov. 26.

Mike Caufield, Ricky Napoli, and Hunter Simeon represented the Indians at the event.

The event includes not only the on-ice ceremony but an opportunity for the captains to ask questions about rules and other issues, according to an article by the NJ Devils staff in 2014.

The high school ice hockey season in New Jersey concludes with the NJSIAA championships, which are tentatively scheduled for March 6, 2017, at the Prudential Center.

Photo courtesy of Joe Rotella, Woodbridge ice hockey coach