New Jersey Devils Make-A-Wish Partnership: Securing Unforgettable Moments for Three Wish Kids

The New Jersey Devils have long understood that hockey is about more than just what happens on the ice. It’s about community, connection, and making a difference in the lives of those who need it most. In early November 2025, the organization demonstrated this commitment in spectacular fashion through a heartwarming collaboration with Make-A-Wish New Jersey, the Devils Youth Foundation, and Fanatics. This extraordinary partnership brought three young hockey fans facing critical illnesses to Prudential Center for an unforgettable two-day experience that transcended the typical game-day atmosphere.

The exclusive event welcomed Natalie, Giovanni, and Darby—three devoted Devils supporters whose love for hockey has remained unwavering despite their health challenges. Over the course of November 7-8, these wish kids and their families were immersed in a world they’d only dreamed of, from personalized locker room experiences to intimate player interactions that created memories destined to last a lifetime. The initiative showcased how professional sports organizations can leverage their platform and resources to deliver hope, joy, and inspiration to children and families navigating incredibly difficult circumstances.

How the New Jersey Devils Make-A-Wish partnership created unforgettable moments

The two-day experience began on November 7 at the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House at Prudential Center, where the three wish recipients received treatment typically reserved for professional athletes. Each child discovered their own personalized jersey waiting for them in individual lockers within the Devils’ actual locker room—a space that represents the inner sanctum of their hockey heroes. This wasn’t just a tour; it was full immersion into the daily life of an NHL player.

The practice day itinerary included watching the Devils go through their training routines, providing insight into the dedication and skill required to compete at hockey’s highest level. But the experience went far beyond observation. Natalie, Giovanni, and Darby had the opportunity to lace up their skates and glide across the same ice their favorite players use, feeling the chill and hearing their blades cut through the surface in the hallowed arena.

Perhaps most meaningful was the full team meet and greet, where the wish kids could interact face-to-face with the players they’ve cheered for from the stands and watched on television. These personal connections—handshakes, conversations, photo opportunities—transformed abstract admiration into tangible relationships. The children also enjoyed lunch with Devils alumni, hearing stories from former players who’ve worn the same jersey and shared the same passion for the game.

The practice day concluded with a shopping spree in the Devils Den Team Store, courtesy of Fanatics, the Official Sports Partner of Make-A-Wish. This partnership between Fanatics and Make-A-Wish has been instrumental in creating sports-related wish experiences across the country, and their involvement in this Devils event ensured the kids could take home official merchandise to commemorate their extraordinary experience.

Game day magic through the New Jersey Devils Make-A-Wish partnership

November 8 brought game day at Prudential Center, and the wish recipients received access that even the most dedicated season ticket holders couldn’t imagine. The experience began with watching warm-ups from the bench—standing mere feet from NHL players as they prepared mentally and physically for competition. The sights, sounds, and energy of pre-game rituals became personal rather than distant spectacles.

The High Five Tunnel access allowed Natalie, Giovanni, and Darby to participate in one of hockey’s most beloved traditions, slapping hands with players as they headed to the ice for the game. This brief but powerful interaction placed them at the center of the action, making them part of the team’s game-day routine rather than passive observers.

During intermission, each wish kid had the opportunity for a Zamboni ride—gliding across the ice as the machine resurfaced the playing surface. For hockey fans, this represents a bucket-list moment, combining the novelty of riding the iconic vehicle with the satisfaction of helping prepare the ice for the next period of play. The experience was enhanced by a visit to their suite from mascot NJ Devil and Devils alumni Bruce Driver, who spent time with the families, sharing stories and creating personal connections.

The second intermission brought yet another behind-the-scenes opportunity: a tour of the MSG TV truck. This gave the wish recipients insight into how hockey broadcasts are produced, revealing the technology and teamwork required to bring games into homes across the region. Every element of the two-day experience was carefully designed to peel back the curtain on professional hockey, transforming spectators into insiders.

The three wish kids at the heart of the New Jersey Devils Make-A-Wish partnership

Fifteen-year-old Natalie traveled from Minnesota for this experience, bringing her own hockey credentials as a player for the Northern Lakes Lightning. Despite bravely facing a cancer diagnosis, her love for the sport hasn’t diminished. “It’s also surreal. I can’t believe it. It’s just unbelievable. I’m actually very surprised I got to be able to do this,” Natalie said during the weekend, her words capturing the overwhelming emotion of seeing her wish come to life.

Giovanni, just twelve years old, has supported the Devils his entire life despite living with a gastrointestinal disorder that has presented significant challenges. His passion for hockey extends beyond watching games—he enjoys rollerblading and swimming, activities that keep him connected to the athleticism and movement he admires in his favorite players. Reflecting on the experience, Giovanni shared: “Greatest experience ever…I’ll remember this moment for my whole life. And I’m really thankful to be here.”

Nineteen-year-old Darby, who lives with a heart condition, brought a different perspective to the weekend. Beyond hockey, she finds joy in crocheting and reading, demonstrating the diverse interests and personalities that make each wish unique. For all three young people, the experience represented more than just meeting athletes—it provided a respite from medical treatments, a celebration of their resilience, and validation that their struggles haven’t diminished their worth or their ability to experience joy.

The diversity of their backgrounds, ages, and health challenges underscores the universal power of sports to unite people and provide hope. Whether a competitive hockey player like Natalie or someone who finds connection to the game in different ways, each wish kid brought their own story to Prudential Center and left with memories tailored to their individual journey.

Why the New Jersey Devils Make-A-Wish partnership matters beyond the arena

Kate Whitman Annis, Executive Director of the Devils Youth Foundation, emphasized the alignment between the organization’s mission and this partnership. “Our mission is rooted in creating meaningful experiences for our youth, and this partnership with Make-A-Wish is a wonderful reflection of that shared mission in action,” she stated. “We are honored to welcome Natalie, Giovanni and Darby and their families for two days of joy, cherished memories, and unforgettable moments with their favorite Devils players during challenging times.”

The Devils Youth Foundation has consistently demonstrated commitment to youth development and community engagement, making this collaboration with Make-A-Wish a natural extension of existing values. By dedicating organizational resources, player time, and arena access to these three wishes, the Devils sent a clear message about priorities that extend beyond wins and losses.

Tom Weatherall, President and CEO of Make-A-Wish New Jersey, expressed gratitude for the partnership: “We’re grateful to our good friends at the New Jersey Devils for answering the call when we have wish kids who want to meet their sports heroes. We’d also like to thank our dear wish granting partner, Fanatics—the official sports partner of Make-A-Wish. Together, we’re committed to changing the game for wish kids like Natalie, Giovanni and Darby.”

The collaboration demonstrates how professional sports organizations possess unique assets that can transform lives. Access to players, facilities, and game-day experiences creates opportunities for wish-granting that few other industries can match. When teams like the Devils fully embrace this responsibility, they multiply their impact far beyond entertainment, becoming genuine forces for good in their communities.

The broader impact of sports partnerships with Make-A-Wish

The New Jersey Devils aren’t alone in recognizing the power of sports wishes. Make-A-Wish has developed partnerships across professional sports leagues, understanding that for many children facing critical illnesses, meeting their athletic heroes or experiencing their favorite sport from the inside represents the ultimate dream. These wishes provide more than temporary happiness—research has shown that wish experiences can have measurable positive effects on physical and emotional well-being.

Fanatics’ role as the Official Sports Partner of Make-A-Wish has amplified the organization’s ability to grant sports-related wishes nationwide. By providing merchandise, facilitating team connections, and supporting logistical aspects of wish experiences, Fanatics has become integral to transforming children’s dreams into reality. This corporate partnership model demonstrates how businesses can align profit-making activities with genuine philanthropic impact.

The timing and structure of the Devils’ partnership with Make-A-Wish also reflects growing awareness within professional sports about social responsibility. Teams increasingly recognize that their relationship with communities extends beyond ticket sales and television ratings. Fans who witness organizations supporting children in crisis develop deeper emotional connections to franchises, understanding that their support for the team indirectly contributes to these life-changing experiences.

For the families of wish kids, these experiences provide more than memories for the children themselves. Parents and siblings who’ve watched their loved ones endure medical treatments, hospital stays, and the uncertainty that accompanies critical illnesses receive a reprieve—a weekend focused on joy rather than fear, celebration rather than struggle. The ripple effects extend through entire family systems, providing strength that can sustain them through continued challenges.

The New Jersey Devils’ partnership with Make-A-Wish New Jersey exemplifies the transformative power of professional sports when organizations commit to meaningful community engagement. By opening their locker room, dedicating player time, and creating personalized experiences for Natalie, Giovanni, and Darby, the Devils demonstrated that their impact extends far beyond the rink. These three young people faced their November weekend not as patients or statistics, but as honored guests receiving royal treatment from their hockey heroes.

As the 2025-26 NHL season continues, the memories created during those two days in early November will remain with these families forever. The jerseys will hang in bedrooms, the photos will be treasured, and the stories will be retold countless times. More importantly, the message delivered to these children—that they matter, that their struggles are seen, and that their love for hockey connects them to something larger than themselves—will resonate long after the final buzzer of that November game. The New Jersey Devils and their partners didn’t just grant wishes; they affirmed the dignity and joy that every child deserves, regardless of the challenges they face.