The Metropolitan Riveters today introduced both New Jersey Devils Youth Hockey Club and Ironbound Elite as the team’s official junior affiliates. At the core of these partnerships, the Riveters will work with each affiliate to increase opportunities for girls in the greater New Jersey area to learn to play hockey.

“I’m excited that these two organizations have committed to our vision to grow girls hockey in the New Jersey region,” said Riveters GM Anya Packer. “Our shared goal is to increase the amount of girls playing the sport, and increase the number of hockey fans with a love and passion for our game.”

The Riveters will participate in a number of Learn to Play programs with the Devils Youth girls hockey program, out of the team’s home ice arena, RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House. Campaigns will include affiliate scrimmages between periods at Riveters home games, Riveters player appearances at affiliate Learn to Play events, and other youth-oriented activations.

“Devils Youth believes that the only way to grow girls hockey is for all stakeholders to work together to introduce the sport to as many young female athletes as possible and to support each other,” said Devils Youth Managing Director Kelly Coyle DiNorcia. “We share the Riveters’ interest in increasing both the number of options available and the quality of girls hockey programs in our area, making this a great partnership. As the saying goes, a rising tide lifts all boats, and we are excited to partner with the Metropolitan Riveters and Ironbound Elite to bring about this shared vision.”

Earlier this year, Devils Youth and Ironbound Elite each played a role in helping bring Riveters’ home games back to Barnabas for the 2021-22 season with extra hard work and dedication from Kathryn Kehoe. The two programs also have been instrumental in growing girls hockey in New Jersey, having built successful programs.

“Our focus here at Ironbound is to have a concrete pathway for athletes to go onto the highest levels,” said Sam Cheema, Director of Hockey at Ironbound Elite. “Why can’t athletes in New Jersey aspire to become Olympians, NCAA D1 and beyond? We are firmly centered in the belief that New Jersey hockey can be a thriving community for girls hockey and having the Riveters share our ice allows our athletes to see the future directly in-front of them. Hockey doesn’t have to stop at college. We are excited to be entering this partnership and further developing girls hockey in New Jersey.”

(via Jessica Belmosto; Official Site of the Metropolitan Riveters)