The City of Hoboken and the New Jersey Devils today announced the launch of the City’s new Youth Ball Hockey Program, which will take place this October at the recently renovated Johnny Ray McDonald Jr. Hockey Rink at the Multi-Service Center, 124 Grand St. The program, offered by the City’s Recreation Division, in collaboration with the New Jersey Devils, will teach Hoboken youth between the ages of 5 and 17 years old the fundamentals of hockey and gameplay in a supportive, co-ed environment.
“This program represents an exciting new opportunity for Hoboken’s youth to stay active, build skills, and enjoy team sports in a safe and newly improved facility,” said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. “We’re committed to expanding recreational offerings that reflect the diverse interests of our community, and we’re thrilled to welcome a new generation of ball hockey players right here in Hoboken. I am grateful to the New Jersey Devils for their generous support, which not only made this possible at no cost to taxpayers, but also honors Coach Johnny Ray McDonald’s legacy in a meaningful way.”
“Partnering with the City of Hoboken and Hoboken Recreation to kick off the 2025-26 hockey season is an exciting opportunity to grow our game year-round,” said Jillian Frechette, Chief Marketing Officer, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center. “This brand new ball hockey program, hosted on a beautifully renovated, best-in-class rink, establishes an accessible and inclusive recreational offering for a very passionate hockey community. We’re incredibly thankful for the NHL, NHLPA, Mayor Bhalla, and City of Hoboken’s unwavering support. All of us look forward to building upon the hockey development offerings at this facility in the same manner that Johnny Ray McDonald, Jr. dedicated himself to this community.”
Registration will open on Friday, Sept. 5, at newjerseydevils.com/hobokenhockey. Please note, space is limited and available on a first-come, first served basis. Once program capacity is reached, registrants will be placed on a waitlist.
All equipment, t-shirts, pinnies, and gift bags will be provided courtesy of the New Jersey Devils.
The program, led by qualified coaching staff along with special appearances by Devils alumni, is designed to accommodate a wide range of age groups. Sessons will be held weekly from Oct. 1 through Nov. 1. The schedule is as follows:
Wednesdays – Oct. 1 to Oct. Oct 29
Saturdays – Oct. 4 to Oct. Nov 1
In addition to Youth Instructional Programs, the Recreation Division anticipates launching Ball and Roller Hockey Leagues for both teens and adults this year. Those interested in participating in the program, should complete the hockey general interest form online at Hoboken.recdesk.com to receive future program updates.
Earlier this year, the City completed renovations of the rink at 124 Grand St. through a partnership with the New Jersey Devils, who donated $230,000 in upgrades and equipment, at no cost to Hoboken taxpayers. Funded in part by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, the improvements included: removal of the old boarding system, surface patching and leveling, installation of a new dasher board and curb footing, as well as brand-new rink flooring. The donation also included $10,000 for part-time coaches and staff to help the City’s Recreation Division build the new ball hockey program for youth and teens.
In 2022, Mayor Bhalla officially renamed the rink in honor of the late Johnny Ray McDonald Jr.; a longtime coach who worked for the City’s Recreation Department for nearly 20 years and was instrumental in launching Hoboken’s first children’s instructional hockey program among other sports.
For more information and to register for the youth ball hockey program, go to newjerseydevils.com/hobokenhockey on Sept. 5. Please contact New Jersey Devils Director of Youth Hockey and Growth Initiatives, Kevin Fox at KFox@prucenter.com with any questions.
Individual game tickets to the 2025-26 New Jersey Devils season are on sale now. Please visit newjerseydevils.com/tickets for more information.
