Devils Through Backup Goalie Have Chance To Reach New Fans

Devils See Opportunity In Reaching New Fan  Base, Demographic With G Kevin Weekes

Devils backup G Kevin Weekes, who is replacing the injured Martin Brodeur, is a "willing ambassador to an untapped fan base," according to Steve Politi of the Newark STAR-LEDGER. The Devils Monday night against the Sabres "started three black players" in Weekes and Ds Bryce Salvadore and Johnny Oduya. Still, the "vast majority of players and fans are white," and hockey is "not a sport that many inner city kids grow up watching or playing." Weekes has "done his part to change that, sponsoring a diversity hockey camp in his hometown Toronto and participating in a Harlem-based youth program." However, Politi writes, "One player can't shift the demographics of a sport on his own." The problem in Newark is "not only that its residents don't follow hockey, it's that they can't afford to plunk down $100 or more" for seats at the Prudential Center. But seeing Weekes on the ice for the Devils "can send a message" that hockey is "not completely out of reach for the people who live closest to the arena" (Newark STAR-LEDGER, 11/5).

DEVILS ON THE DOWNSIDE: In N.Y., Filip Bondy writes, "Sports may not be such a great way after all, to improve the image or financial state of Newark. Recent weeks have produced one nasty headline after another," and the Devils "have piled on by announcing they will not pay" the $2.4M in rent due to the Newark Housing Authority for their lease at the Prudential Center. This is "clearly not what the struggling city needs to hear at a time of deep recession, and it is a clarion warning to all local politicians about recruiting major league sports teams. Pro franchises are no panacea" (N.Y. DAILY NEWS, 11/5).