When the Devils made Kevin Weekes their backup goalie, they found an ambassador to the people of Newark, as well.
“It wasn’t a tough sell, that’s for sure,” Weekes said of joining the team that moved into the Newark arena last month. “It wasn’t the primary factor, but it’s a great opportunity. It was the final piece that solidified that decision.”
Weekes has collected three of four points available in his two starts, and is overdue for another chance when the Devils host the Pens tonight.
A black Toronto native whose parents immigrated to Canada from Barbados, Weekes envisions the marvelous new arena invigorating the strife-stricken city and its residents. With Newark’s largely black population, not hockey’s usual fan demographic, Weekes hopes he can provide a link to the community.
“I’d like to think I can make a positive contribution, and when you have people who contribute positively, they are ambassadors,” Weekes said. “It’s extremely important for the sport, too, at the end of the day. We want to have as many different people, ages and demographics as possible among our fans.”
Weekes said the arena should excite Newark’s residents.
“Growing up, if someone said they’re putting a $380 million project in our neighborhood, I’d have been excited about that,” he said.
The 32-year-old is waiting for his first Newark start.
He’s been a diligent pupil of goalie coach Jacques Caron, striving to improve his performance, even after 325 NHL games.
Such effort isn’t unseen by his teammates, encouraged by his commitment on-ice. Weekes wants his commitment to help off the ice, too.