On Tuesday, Sept. 22, the New Jersey Performing Arts Center hosted the third annual Playing it Forward Gala, a fundraiser that celebrates Hockey in New Jersey’s (HNJ) philanthropic efforts, uniting donors, professional athletes, alumni, supporters, and corporate leaders. The event was a night of collaboration and community, all in support of youth hockey.
Raising Awareness for a Great Cause
The evening began with a VIP opportunity to “Meet the Greats,” a star-studded panel that included New Jersey Devils brothers Jack and Luke Hughes, New York Sirens’ Elle Hartje, and three-time Paralympic gold medalist Jack Wallace.
From there, guests enjoyed a cocktail hour with live music, followed by dinner and a silent auction. Among the items up for bid were a team-autographed 1980 “Miracle on Ice” jersey, tickets to the Devils home opener, and a memorabilia set signed by Jack Hughes — complete with a commemorative gold medal from the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
HNJ representatives spoke throughout the event, including chairman Richard A. Giuditta Jr., CEO Keith Veltre, and COO Dennis Ruppe. The organization also presented the 2026 Playing it Forward Award to Mike Trimboli, president of USA Hockey. In his acceptance speech, Trimboli stressed the importance of supporting the next generation of hockey players, stating, “[It’s about] building from the bottom up, making it accessible to more players, more families, and more communities.”
The night concluded with a Hockey Hot Stove moderated by Matt Loughlin of the Devils Hockey Network, where the Hughes brothers, Hartje, and Wallace discussed their passion for HNJ, the Devils’ Learn to Play Program, and Team USA’s Olympic domination.
Hockey in New Jersey’s Continued Impact
HNJ is a non-profit organization that provides resources, equipment, and training for underprivileged youth hockey programs. Its mission is to give children the tools for success both on and off the ice, prioritizing positive relationships and academic achievement.
Within the last two decades, HNJ’s impact has grown steadily with over 1,000 participants, 5,000 alumni, more than 20 partner organizations, and 1,300 hours of ice time.
Luke and Jack Hughes chat with Giovanni & Natalie after Friday’s practice. (Photo: New Jersey Devils)
In 2024, the Hughes brothers were named HNJ’s first official ambassadors, in collaboration with the Devils. Since then, they’ve given back to the community through local outreach, game night experiences, and more. They even launched the Hughes Brothers’ Pucks & Pages program last October — a multi-year reading initiative designed to raise literacy among children in New Jersey.
When asked what it means to attend the Playing it Forward Gala and be an ambassador for HNJ, Jack told reporters, “It’s a great event, and Hockey in New Jersey is a great organization…They’ve been doing an awesome job.” His younger brother echoed the sentiment, saying it was an honor to be part of their leadership group. “It’s important for us to do this every year,” Luke said.
Expanding the book club.
The Hughes Bros welcomed Jasiel, Isabela, Nyomi and Benjamin from their Pucks & Pages program, presented by @jag_pt_, to The Rock. pic.twitter.com/0Z3SP3DHNY
— New Jersey Devils (@NJDevils) April 8, 2026
In February, HNJ welcomed New York Sirens forward Elle Hartje as their first female ambassador. She’s helped the program take major strides in accessibility and visibility, encouraging young girls to play hockey. Now, a quarter of all HNJ participants are female, while Hartje seeks to grow the relationship between women’s professional hockey and players throughout the Garden State.
For her, it’s about making sure that more children have the ability and the means to foster their passion for the sport. “Anything that I can do to help give back and make sure everyone can have that love for hockey that I was able to grow up with is so important. This night is just a culmination of that and a celebration of the work they’re doing in this community,” said Hartje.
Going Beyond the Game
New Jersey continues to break barriers within the hockey community, but its initiative goes far beyond the game. They inspire young players to dream big, while also instilling valuable life skills such as teamwork, leadership, nutrition, character development, and confidence.
Kids can learn to play in a welcoming environment, and hockey has become more accessible to those who would normally face obstacles due to location, cost, or a lack of representation. More recently, HNJ has become the second-largest youth diversity hockey program in the USA.
The Playing it Forward Gala recognizes community efforts to foster the next generation of talent, and the organization’s actions are inspirational. HNJ has come a long way, and the program will continue to achieve great things with the support of its ambassadors and the hockey community as a whole.
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