NEWARK, N.J. — Connor Hellebuyck had not even had time to settle into the Devils’ crease before his name began appearing around Prudential Center. New Jersey’s first home game after acquiring the three-time Vezina Trophy winner, Saturday against the Los Angeles Kings, brought out old Winnipeg Jets sweaters, freshly purchased Devils jerseys and plenty of optimism about what the goaltender could mean for the club.
Steven Brennan wore a Hellebuyck Jets jersey to the building, figuring it was the right choice until he can pick up one in Devils colors. A goaltender himself, Brennan has followed Hellebuyck for roughly a decade, dating back to Winnipeg’s run to the 2018 Western Conference Final.
“I had to bring it out for this,” Brennan said. “Before I get an actual Devils jersey.”
Hellebuyck’s Olympic gold medal with the United States this past winter added another chapter to Brennan’s admiration. He said he wore the Jets sweater while Team USA was playing and was thrilled to see the veteran goalie land in New Jersey.
“Eight years later, he wins a gold medal for the United States, and I was ecstatic,” Brennan said. “I’m happy he’s in the Garden State.”
Jets jerseys make an appearance in Newark
Glen Bradish, who estimates that his collection includes more than 100 jerseys, also reached for a Hellebuyck Jets sweater. It was the first time he had worn a non-Devils jersey to a Devils game.
“It felt like the ideal time to wear my Hellebuyck jersey,” Bradish said.
Bradish, another goalie, normally uses his non-Devils jerseys for his own adult-league trips to the rink. He is already looking ahead to adding Hellebuyck’s New Jersey version, specifically the upcoming Hometown Remix design.
“I’m waiting for the new Hometown Remix Hellebuyck jersey,” he said.
Fresh Devils gear and playoff hopes
Quinn Fitterer did not have to make do with an old Winnipeg sweater. She had already purchased a Hellebuyck Devils jersey at Prudential Center shortly before the puck drop.
“As soon as the trade news came out, I knew I wanted his jersey,” Fitterer said. “I’m just so excited.”
Fitterer said her interest in Hellebuyck grew during Team USA’s gold-medal run. The acquisition has her thinking about more than a new name on the back of a sweater, with the goalie viewed as a major addition to New Jersey’s playoff push.
“He’s an amazing player,” she said. “I’m really excited to have him here because I definitely think we have a better chance to make the playoffs and have a better season.”
Her father already had the next purchase mapped out: a Hellebuyck Devils jersey carrying a Stanley Cup patch.
