Devils’ “Sweep the Deck Gala” Powers Year-Round Impact for New Jersey Youth

On Monday, Feb. 2, the Prudential Center looked nothing like a hockey arena. Instead, the space where the New Jersey Devils‘ ice typically lies was transformed into a professional curling rink, while the surrounding floor turned into a casino lounge with poker, roulette, blackjack and craps tables.

This was all for the fifth annual Devils “Sweep the Deck Gala”, the team’s signature fundraising event for the powerful Devils Youth Foundation. The foundation’s mission is to bring life-changing opportunities to New Jersey’s youth through the power of sports, entertainment and music.

Related: Guide to the 2026 Winter Olympics Men’s Hockey Tournament

It focuses on four grant categories: creating safe spaces, access to arts education, getting kids active and moving, and food and nutrition security. These are real issues in the state of New Jersey; one in eight kids doesn’t know when their next meal is coming, and New Jersey ranks 43rd nationally in youth physical activity.

Furthermore, the timing of this year’s gala added some extra meaning. It took place just a couple nights before seven members of the Devils’ roster headed to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy to fulfill a lifelong dream of competing for their countries on the world’s biggest stage.

Pretty cool signs the #NJDevils are auctioning off at Sweep the Deck.

Each Olympian signed their own. pic.twitter.com/1Ncru6puMO

— Daniel Amoia (@daniel_amoia) February 3, 2026

“Sweep the Deck” Is as Much Fun as Impactful

Allison Blitzer, Chair of the Devils Youth Foundation, captured that link: “As we sit here on the Eve of the Olympics, you want to feel like every kid should have the hope that they can do their best and fulfill whatever their dreams are. We all know there’s a lot of talent here in Jersey, so I want all the kids to have that opportunity.”

Moreover, the night was a rare opportunity for fans to connect on a personal level with their favorite Devils players. “It’s great [to connect with fans],” said captain Nico Hischier. “It’s great for them as well, to connect with us a little bit. Just ask some questions they’re probably not able to when watching our game,” he continued.

Star forward Jack Hughes agreed: “A ton of fans come and show up, people that usually watch you when you’re inside the glass. It’s a night tonight for us to kind of talk, and then we kind of know who you are, just a little bit of relationships. I think it’s fun for all parties,” said Hughes.

Most importantly of all: the event truly made a difference. The gala ultimately raised a record-breaking $2.25 million — and counting — for the Devils Youth Foundation.