Devils Announce Martin Brodeur Jersey Retirement Celebration Events

Today, the New Jersey Devils announced through a press release and on their website the upcoming events for Martin Brodeur's jersey retirement.  That is indeed events plural.  Brodeur will be in the Newark area from Saturday, February 6 through to his actual jersey retirement ceremony on Tuesday, February 9.    Several of the events are private, such as a hockey clinic and a launch of a memorial Denis Brodeur sports photography program at Henry Snyder high school in Jersey City. However there are a few that you may get to be a part of.

First off, Brodeur will drop the puck for a ceremonial faceoff on February 6 when the Devils play the Washington Capitals. That game will start at 1 PM EST.  The faceoff should be at about that time.

Second, the team will have an Evening with Brodeur on Monday, February 8.  At the Prudential Center, Brodeur will be present as the team unveils a statue in Brodeur's honor.  The statue is called "The Salute," one of the last images of Brodeur representing the bedeviled NJ in his illustrious career.  Following the ceremony will be a question and answer session with the legendary goalie. There will also be a viewing party for the Devils-Rangers gamethat will be aired on the center scoreboard.  Doors for this event will open at 5:30 PM and the event is scheduled to begin at 6:30 PM.

Season ticket holders (like myself) had the opportunity to get tickets if they renewed early.  They will be given out on February 1.  If you're not a season ticket holder, there is a limited number of tickets available to the public. It's not cheap at $250.  It is a package to attend both this event at The Rock and a lower-bowl ticket to the Devils-Caps game, though.  If you're thinking about it, then I suggest erring on the side of going and act fast so you're not left out.

Lastly, and most importantly, here's the information about the ceremony itself.  Ken Daneyko gave away the beginning time for the ceremony on recent broadcasts.  And he was right.  The on-ice jersey retirement ceremony will begin at 6:15 PM EST.  I repeat with bold letters:   The on-ice jersey retirement ceremony will begin at 6:15 PM EST. So be in your seats by then. To accommodate the early start, the doors to The Rock will open at 4:30 PM EST.  The Devils-Oilers game itself will begin at 8:08 PM EST.

So make your plans now to get available for those dates if you're planning to attend.  Make sure your train won't run 15 minutes late as usual (looking at you, Raritan Valley Line), plan a good route for traffic, and be ready to be in your seat by 6:15 on February 9.  I know I will.

Incidentally, expect several posts about Brodeur starting next week.  Brodeur is going to get a long ceremony because his role with the organization has been that substantial and he is legitimately one of the greatest goaltenders to have played the game.  There's a lot to be said about him on that night - and there's a lot for us to say. Don't worry, we won't lose focus on what this site is all about: the Devils.