Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, City of Hoboken & New Jersey Devils celebrate new Youth Ball Hockey Program and renovated rink

Home News Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, City of Hoboken & New Jersey Devils celebrate new Youth Ball Hockey Program and renovated rink

Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla, the City of Hoboken and the New Jersey Devils today celebrated the launch of Hoboken's new Youth Ball Hockey Program and the official grand reopening of the renovated Johnny Ray McDonald, Jr. 'Diddle' Hockey Rink at a community event held on Wednesday, Oct. 1.

The festivities, hosted at the Multi-Service Center, welcomed a crowd of families, children, and local hockey fans. Attendees were joined by special guests including New Jersey Devils alum Bruce Driver, New York Sirens player Kristýna Kaltounková, NHL executives, City officials, NJ DEVIL, the Devils mascot, and the McDonald family. The City honored the rink's namesake and commemorated the partnership with the New Jersey Devils. Children registered in the new program had the opportunity to meet athletes, engage in on-rink activities, and preview the programming that will continue throughout the fall season.

"This new rink and youth program are a win for Hoboken, and a shining example of what can happen when public agencies and private organizations come together with a shared vision," said Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla. "Thanks to the generous support of the New Jersey Devils and the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, we've been able to revitalize an important recreational space at no cost to our taxpayers and also create new opportunities for our children to stay active, develop skills, and build confidence through sports. This project honors the legacy of Coach Johnny Ray McDonald, Jr., and I couldn't be prouder to see our community come together to celebrate."

The event marked the official launch of the Hoboken Recreation Division's Youth Ball Hockey Program, which will run through early November. Open to boys and girls ages 5 to 17, the program offers co-ed instruction in ball hockey fundamentals, skill-building, and game play. Coaching staff, equipment, and uniforms are all provided, thanks to a partnership with the New Jersey Devils and $10,000 in funding support from the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, a joint initiative of the National Hockey League and National Hockey League Players' Association that has provided over $200 million to provide education that drives awareness and brings hockey to communities across North America.

The revitalization of the outdoor rink itself was made possible through a $230,000 investment by the New Jersey Devils, also funded in part by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund. Renovations included the removal and replacement of the original rink boards, surface patching and leveling, installation of new dasher boards and curb footing, and upgraded, state-of-the-art rink flooring. The improvements were completed at no cost to Hoboken taxpayers.

In 2022, the City formally renamed the rink in honor of Johnny Ray "Diddle" McDonald, Jr., a longtime employee of the Hoboken Recreation Division who served the community for nearly 20 years before his passing in 2020. During his tenure, he was instrumental in launching Hoboken's first instructional hockey program for children and played a key role in expanding youth sports throughout the city. Known for his dedication to local families and his impact on generations of young athletes, Coach Diddle left a lasting legacy in Hoboken's recreational community.

"My brother's legacy lives on in every skater that steps onto the rink," said Vanessa Falco, Johnny Ray McDonald Jr.'s sister. "The New Jersey Devils investment in the rink is more than a renovation it's a recognition for people like my brother who love and created community from the game."

Mayor Ravi S. Bhalla dropped the first puck flanked on the left by the McDonald Family, Recreation Division Head Jessica Lezcano, and Director of Parks, Recreation and Public Works Diana Aviles, and on the right by NJ DEVIL, New Jersey Devil Alum Bruce Driver, New York Siren player Kristýna Kaltounková, New Jersey Devils & Prudential Center Chief Marketing Officer Jillian Frechette, NHL's Group Vice President of Community Development & Industry Growth Jeff Scott, and New Jersey Devils & Prudential Center Senior Director of Youth Hockey & Fan Development Kevin Fox. (Photo Credit: the New Jersey Devils)The new Youth Ball Hockey Program, for kids between the ages of 5-17, offers co-ed instruction in ball hockey fundamentals. (Photo Credit: the New Jersey Devils)Photo Credit: the New Jersey DevilsPhoto Credit: The New Jersey Devils.