Hoboken & NJ Devils Launch New Youth Ball Hockey Program

The new Youth Ball Hockey Program, which will take place this October at the recently renovated Johnny Ray McDonald Jr. Hockey Rink at the Multi-Service Center, located at 124 Grand Street, is being offered by the City’s Recreation Division, in collaboration with the Devils.  The program will teach Hoboken youth between the ages of 5 and 17 years old the fundamentals of hockey and gameplay in a supportive, co-ed environment.

Mayor Ravi Bhalla stated, “This program represents an exciting new opportunity for Hoboken’s youth to stay active, build skills, and enjoy team sports in a safe and newly improved facility.  We’re committed to expanding recreational offerings that reflect the diverse interests of our community, and we’re thrilled to welcome a new generation of ball hockey players right here in Hoboken. I am grateful to the New Jersey Devils for their generous support, which not only made this possible at no cost to taxpayers, but also honors Coach Johnny Ray McDonald’s legacy in a meaningful way.”

“Partnering with the City of Hoboken and Hoboken Recreation to kick off the 2025-26 hockey season is an exciting opportunity to grow our game year-round,” said Jillian Frechette, Chief Marketing Officer, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center.  “This brand new ball hockey program, hosted on a beautifully renovated, best-in-class rink, establishes an accessible and inclusive recreational offering for a very passionate hockey community. We’re incredibly thankful for the NHL, NHLPA, Mayor Bhalla, and City of Hoboken’s unwavering support. All of us look forward to building upon the hockey development offerings at this facility in the same manner that Johnny Ray McDonald, Jr. dedicated himself to this community.”

All equipment, t-shirts, pinnies, and gift bags will be provided courtesy of the New Jersey Devils.

The program, led by a qualified coaching staff along with special appearances by Devils alumni, is designed to accommodate a wide range of age groups. Sessions will be held weekly from October 1st through November 1st.  The schedule is as follows:

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Earlier this year, the City completed renovations of the rink at 124 Grand Street through a partnership with the New Jersey Devils, who donated $230,000 in upgrades and equipment, at no cost to Hoboken taxpayers. Funded in part by the NHL/NHLPA Industry Growth Fund, the improvements included: removal of the old boarding system, surface patching and leveling, installation of a new dasher board and curb footing, as well as brand-new rink flooring. The donation also included $10,000 for part-time coaches and staff to help the City’s Recreation Division build the new ball hockey program for youth and teens.

In 2022, Mayor Bhalla officially renamed the rink in honor of the late Johnny Ray McDonald Jr.; a longtime coach who worked for the City’s Recreation Department for nearly 20 years and was instrumental in launching Hoboken’s first children’s instructional hockey program among other sports.