THREE THINGS: Black History Month Jerseys

As a part of the Devils Black History Month game, the Devils will wear themed warmup jersey for the first time in team history. The jersey honors various Black players and coaches throughout Devils history and was created in collaboration with defenseman P.K. Subban.
This edition of Three Things, presented by Geico, breaks down the warmup jerseys and meaning behind it.

1. THE CREST

There have been many great Black players and coaches in the Devils franchise, and the jersey's crest pays tribute to them. Photos and text fill up the Devils logo with the phrase 'A Movement Not a Moment' surrounding it. The crest highlights nine people including Claude Vilgrain, the first Black player for the Devils; Mark Fraser, the first Black player drafted by the Devils; Mike Grier, the first Black NJD coach; Kevin Weekes, the first Black goaltender for New Jersey; and Bryce Salvador, the first Black captain in franchise history.

Here is the full list of those honored: Claude Vilgrain, Sean Brown, Mark Fraser, Mike Grier, Johnny Oduya, Bryce Salvador, Kevin Weekes, Wayne Simmonds, and Devante Smith-Pelly.
(
Vilgrain
and
Salvador
both recently appeared on the Speak of the Devils podcast to discuss Black History and more.)

2. TRIBUTE TO O'REE

Willie O'Ree, the first Black player in the NHL, is celebrated in several ways on this jersey. First, there's a patch honoring O'Ree on one shoulder of the jersey. Second, every player will wear O'Ree's number, 22, on the back of their jerseys. In those numbers will be a story highlighting O'Ree's impact on the sport of hockey, and other key Black figures in hockey who O'Ree opened the door for.

3. THE IMPACT

For Subban, helping design a jersey that tells stories and celebrates those who have impacted the game was a special moment.
"This is a very special moment with the Devils doing this jersey for Black History Month and I'm so happy that the organization and League has given us an opportunity to put this together," Subban said in a press release. "When players are celebrated now, that has come on the shoulders of those before us, like Willie O'Ree. These moments are reflective of progress and change. The game will get to a place where it isn't just about the Black players, the Black individuals who work in the sport, to have to speak out. The real sign of change is when the Black players and individuals don't have to say anything and we will get there."
Following the Devils Black History Month game, the warmup jerseys will be auctioned off with proceeds benefiting the Devils Youth Foundation and the P.K. Subban Foundation. More information is on the
Devils Youth Foundation's website
.