Returning home

Devils will feature local connections for Hockeyville game

The New Jersey Devils will feature some local connections in Summerside.

The Devils will be on Prince Edward Island to play the Ottawa Senators in the Kraft Hockeyville game at Eastlink Arena on Sept. 25. O’Leary was announced as the winner of the Hockeyville contest on April 1. Scott Harris, who grew up in Tryon, recently joined the Devils as manager of player information/video, and he’ll also do some scouting.

“New Jersey truly understands how important it is to the community, especially to the local fans who may not get the chance to see a live NHL game on a regular basis,” said Harris, who is looking forward to accompanying the Devils to his home province. “We know the atmosphere is going to be fantastic.

“The team will come in a day before and is looking forward to participating in an open practice as well.”

Harris isn’t the only member of the Devils’ organization local fans may recognize.

Devils goaltending coach Roland Melanson is from Shediac, N.B., and spoke at a Kensington minor hockey closing dinner in the early 1990s.

Fans of the Summerside D. Alex MacDonald Ford Western Capitals had the opportunity to watch Devils assistant coach Ryane Clowe, who played one season with Moncton in the MHL (Maritime Junior Hockey League).

Also, former North Rustico summer resident Grant Marshall, who played 790 NHL regular-season and playoff games, now works with the Devils Alumni Association. Defenceman Dion Phaneuf, who has a summer home near Kensington, plays with the Senators and promoted the game during O’Leary’s Potato Blossom in July.