On February 2, 2026, the Prudential Center, home of the New Jersey Devils, was transformed from a hockey arena into a unique space featuring a professional curling rink and a casino lounge for the fifth annual Devils "Sweep the Deck Gala". This signature fundraising event supports the Devils Youth Foundation, whose mission is to provide life-changing opportunities to New Jersey youth through sports, entertainment, and music.
The Foundation focuses on creating safe spaces, ensuring access to arts education, promoting physical activity, and providing food and nutrition security. These areas address critical needs in New Jersey, where one in eight children face food insecurity, and the state ranks 43rd nationally in youth physical activity. The gala's timing was especially meaningful this year, as it preceded the departure of seven Devils players to the 2026 Winter Olympics in Milan-Cortina, Italy.
Allison Blitzer, Chair of the Devils Youth Foundation, emphasized the importance of the Foundation's work: "As we sit here on the Eve of the Olympics, you want to feel like every kid should have the hope that they can do their best and fulfill whatever their dreams are. We all know there's a lot of talent here in Jersey, so I want all the kids to have that opportunity".
The "Sweep the Deck Gala" provides a special opportunity for fans to connect with their favorite Devils players. Attendees enjoyed activities like curling alongside players, casino games, and interacting with the team in a relaxed setting. Players even took on roles as bartenders and card dealers. Captain Nico Hischier noted, "It's great for us and the fans to connect a little bit, have a chat or have them ask questions they aren't normally able to... We're all here to raise some money from the Devils Youth Foundation. That's the big picture". Center Jack Hughes added, "It's a big fundraising night... Hopefully, (the) Devils Youth Foundation can make a lot of money tonight and it goes to a great cause. That's our reason for being out here tonight".
The 2026 gala raised over $2.25 million for the Devils Youth Foundation. The funds will support various non-profit organizations across New Jersey and New York, including Hockey in New Jersey, Ice Hockey in Harlem, and the Community Foodbank of NJ. The Foundation has contributed over $4 million in philanthropic and programmatic support to dozens of organizations.
The "Sweep the Deck Gala" has grown significantly since its inception in 2020. The first gala raised around $1 million. Devils President Jake Reynolds reflected on the event's growth: "To see the event's growth is the most staggering part... To fast forward, five-years later and be able to see this, sold out, to raise over two million (dollars) for the Devils Youth Foundation to give out to non-profits throughout New Jersey. Those combinations, to see the growth, is what I'm most proud of and what's been most impressive". In 2025, the Gala raised a record-breaking $2 million with over 800 guests and the support of over 70 corporate partners.
The Devils Youth Foundation's work addresses critical issues facing New Jersey's youth. One in eight New Jersey children are unsure when they will receive their next meal, and the state ranks 43rd in the nation for youth physical activity. By focusing on nutrition and physical activity, the Foundation aims to improve the lives of young people in the state. As Allison Blitzer stated, "Every kid deserves the opportunity to fulfill their potential".