No jersey says Jersey like the New Devils black jersey. The Garden State's only major level sports franchise that proudly has the state name in its moniker features the fashionable sweater with one apt word, 'Jersey.'
"We're the only team in New Jersey who represents New Jersey on our chest," New Jersey Devils marketing coordinator Jillian Frechette said while calling from her Newark office. "There are teams that play and practice in New Jersey but they represent New York. We're all about New Jersey here and we have our beautiful black jerseys. With that, we represent the entire state."
That includes Asbury Park and the Central Jersey shore. The Devils will tip its cap to the beach February 21 when the bladerunners host the Buffalo Sabres on "Down the Shore" night, which returns for year two. The evening will feature a number of summer themed activations, contests and live performances.
The Devils' connection with Asbury Park and the surrounding area makes sense. It's not easy for local hockey fans to make the trek to Manhattan to experience the New York Rangers or to Philadelphia to catch the Flyers. Each journey requires a near-two hour trek.
The Devils are less than an hour away and just over 60 minutes by train. And the bonus is that the Devils are Jersey's team.
The Devils aforementioned rivals haven't had events in Asbury Park. But the Devils had a swinging draft party at the Stone Pony in July of 2022. The concert, which featured Brian Kirk and the Jerks, was a fundraiser, which benefitted the Devils Youth Foundation and the Asbury Park Music Foundation.
"We had a great time at the draft party," Frechette said. "We've had events at Jenkinson's. The Devils love Asbury Park since there is such a rich culture there. There are three things right off the bat that are special in New Jersey. There's the incredible shore culture, the rich food culture and the music scene. They all unite New Jersey and they're all in Asbury Park. We here with the Devils love those Jersey shore vibes from Asbury Park. That's what we're going to lean in on during our "Down the Shore" night."
Frechette has been with the Devils for eight years. the South Orange resident is a Canadian transplant, who doesn't just work for a hockey team but the sport has been in her blood since she was born just outside of Toronto.
Frechette grew up in a house divided. Her mother is a Toronto Maple Leaf diehard and her father, a rabid Montreal Canadians fan. Her childhood memories are of her mother catching the Leafs on television and her father consuming Habs games in French on the radio.
"That served me well," Frechette said. "I love hockey."
Prior to landing with the Devils, Frechette worked for the Calgary Flames. She relocated to New Jersey along with Devils defenseman Dougie Hamilton, who was a Flame.
"Now we're both here trying to make a difference with the Devils," Frechette said.
The Devils have won three Stanley Cups in 43-years compared to four Cups for the New York Rangers in 99 seasons. But it's not easy being in a market with an original six franchise. However, the Devils have become an established entity with a loyal fanbase that has been rewarded with the coolest trophy in sports and a number of legends, such as Hall of Famer Martin Brodeur. The Devils aren't just the Rangers little brother.
"We do fine," Frechette said. "We know who the Rangers are. They are a machine. The Rangers are a storied franchise. Lots of people in our area grew up with the Rangers. The difference between us is that we lean into New Jersey. We love the regional rivalry. When we played the Rangers in the playoffs in (2023), you could feel the magic. We're okay with having the bad guys close by. They have their fans. We have or fans and we know how fortunate we are since we have this wonderful bling in the rearview with our Stanley Cups. But we don't just focus on what we accomplished. We look forward to the future and we have a bright one and we welcome everyone in New Jersey to come out and experience what we have here since it really is special."
The Devils are in the mix for a playoff berth thanks to the considerable talent on the ice. There's the Hughes brothers, center Jack Hughes and defenseman Luke Hughes. Forwards Nico Hischier, Jesper Bratt and Timo Meier.
The Devils are a young, exciting squad with much potential. "It's going to be exciting to see how things go," Frechette said. "Come on out so you don't miss out."
"We're the only team in New Jersey who represents New Jersey on our chest. We're all about New Jersey here."
"The Devils love Asbury Park since there is such a rich culture there...There's the incredible shore culture, the rich food culture and the music scene."
The Devils impress with their concessions stands and their suite fare. Thumbs up for the delicious pulled pork sandwich, the tasty chicken empanada and the comfort food combo, grilled cheese and tomato soup. That's a heck of a hat trick!