Today, we will be exploring the enthusiastic fan following of the New Jersey Devils, a Newark, New Jersey-based professional ice hockey team. Since their establishment in 1974, the Devils have won three Stanley Cups and have maintained a devoted fan base, who continue to cheer them on in the Metropolitan Division of the Eastern Conference. Let's dive into what sets the Devils fandom apart and why they are a cherished team in the NHL.
(This is an outside-view image of where the Devils play (Prudential Center)).
As a young fan of the Devils, I had many fond memories of watching the team play whether it was in person or on a couch with my dad. Growing up the New Jersey Devils were a huge part and joy of my childhood. My favorite memory is how I would prepare myself for a game. First, I would cover myself head to toe in all my Devil's gear, second, I would get red and black markers to color my face, and finally, spike my hair in a ridiculous pattern using a mass amount of hair gel. As a fan of the Devils, I had the privilege to watch legends such as Scott Stevens, Patrick Elias, and Martin Brodeur. Those three players lead the team to three Stanley Cups in the late 1990s and early 2000s.
(Top right Scott Stevens, Left Hall of Fame goalie Martin Brodeur, Right Patrick Elias)
Devotees of the New Jersey Devils are well-known for being active and engaged on social media. Their fervent support for the team is demonstrated through the various social media platforms they use to express their opinions, share news and updates, and connect with fellow fans. Instagram is particularly popular among Devils fans, who employ hashtags such as #NJDevils, #WeAreTheOnes, and #DevilsFamily to communicate with other fans and discuss their perspectives on the team. Fans also follow official team accounts, as well as those of players, journalists, and other sources of Devils-related news and information. The Devil's fandom has multiple fan accounts which post live updates or rumors about the team.
Among all the fans one fan truly stands out. American actor, Patrick Warburton who appeared in 10 episodes of the hit show "Seinfeld" as Puddy, famously
painted his face and chest when attending a Devils game in the show. His energy and enthusiasm, along with his phrases “Let’s go Devils!” and “gotta support the team” were huge hits and indelibly tied him with the Devils. Puddy now attends most of all the home games and even drops the puck at the start of the games sometimes. On the ninety-yearuniversity night, a Puddy bobblehead was created and given out to all fans.
Second to Puddy is former Devil's defenseman PK Subban. PK now is a commentator for the Devils. He shows his love for them by always siding with them throughout games and wearing an overly excessive red devil's robe. During commendation, you can find PK defending his team in this stylish robe. Lastly, the guy that tied the whole fandom together "NJ Devil" or the team's mascot. Fans love NJ Devil and go crazy for him when he appears out of nowhere. Most time he is walking around the arena with a T-Shirt cannon giving back to the fans.
The Prudential Center houses a very loud and energetic devil's fanbase. Two chants shouted out during the games that I personally like are "Rangers suck" and "Marty's better". The first chant "Rangers suck" is used because the Devils and Rangers are rivals, and it has been like that since 1995. This chant is a staple chant for the entirety of the Devils fanbase. After the crowd screams out "Rangers suck" it will most times be followed by unpolite hand gestures. Second, "Marty's better" is used when the opposing team makes a save. This chant is basically a nod at the legendary devil's goalie Martin Brodeur. The chants are fun to participate in but the best feeling of all is when the Devils slap in a goal. The crowd erupts in viciously loud noise as the goal horns blare throughout the arena. Everyone is on their feet cheering or high-fiving random people you never meet.
(This is a photo of a packed night at the Prudential Center)
In conclusion, being a New Jersey Devils fan is more than just a love for a hockey team. It's a pride for owning the only sports team with the words New Jersey in front of the name or a passion for all the memories built from my basement couch or at the static atmosphere at the Prudential Center. Whether you're a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the team, the experience of being a part of this fanbase is truly special.
(This is a photo of a packed night at the Prudential Center)
%2fcdn.vox-cdn.com%2fuploads%2fchorus_image%2fimage%2f48752389%2fusa-today-7869999.0.jpg&cdnurl=https%3a%2f%2fth.bing.com%2fth%2fid%2fR.e5c6c6a8e83df827c9a5b32d3b2827e3%3frik%3d%252fvP1I0uBmQC9sw%26pid%3dImgRaw%26r%3d0&exph=800&expw=1200&q=Martin+Brodeur+smiling&simid=608001235985052115&FORM=IRPRST&ck=7EDE18A2E4409F688E40FC325EEC5C61&selectedIndex=26&ajaxhist=0&ajaxserp=0){kind=link}
No comments:
Post a Comment