Hamilton buddies up with local youth

Feature photo: IG /  @NJDevils

Dougie Hamilton has found an ideal platform to positively impact the lives of New Jersey area children and their families.

Dougie’s Buddies, which combines two of Hamilton’s biggest passions, specifically, a love of hockey and helping others, was something the New Jersey Devils’ blueliner had been contemplating for a while.

It came to fruition last March.

The initiative sees Hamilton host a guest and their family at Prudential Center – the Devils’ home arena in Newark – throughout the NHL season. The veteran who recently netted his 500th NHL point teamed with RWJBarnabas Health, a network of independent healthcare providers in New Jersey, to create the program.

Guests are selected by the team’s Youth Hockey & Growth Initiatives and Community Investment departments. Participants include RWJBarnabas Health patients as well as kids from Learn to Play, a joint NHLPA/NHL grassroots hockey initiative funded through the Industry Growth Fund.

The experience includes tickets to a Devils’ home game, food and beverages, Devils merchandise and a postgame meet-and-greet with Hamilton.

“I have always enjoyed meeting kids around the rink and after games,” Hamilton, who is now in his 13th NHL season, told NHLPA.com. “The team was very helpful in leading the charge in setting up things.”

“It started at the end of the last season, and it was great from the start. You get to meet a lot of truly amazing kids and their families.”

Mia Andre, a Learn to Play participant, was the first participant in Dougie’s Buddies, attending the New Jersey home against Carolina on March 9.

Since then, several other kids and families have enjoyed similar experiences.

On Oct. 26, 2024, Hamilton hosted Bennet Brown, who participated in the Devils Youth Hockey Club and Learn to Play program. This January, he hosted Jimmy Hile and his family, also part of the Learn to Play program.  

“It has been great,” said Hamilton. “There have been a lot of wonderful kids and families – it’s been nice for me.”

“For the parents and siblings to be there, it makes it even more special. Getting to meet everyone after the game and spending some time with them is something I’m very grateful for. You hope that you can put a smile on their face and give them some encouragement. Everyone seems to enjoy it.”

Perhaps none more than Hamilton.

The ninth overall pick of the Boston Bruins in the 2011 NHL Draft is grateful to be able to give back to others.

“Any time you see kids or anyone who is in need or going through tough times, it puts things in perspective quickly – it is tough to see what some of these kids are dealing with. You just want to be able to give them something to smile about and to dream about.”

Getting to see those smiles can often take a little time.   

“Sometimes, the kids are running around and when you walk in the room, they get shy, but they always come out of their shell,” Hamilton said with a laugh. “Most of the time, there are some hockey questions I get asked, but the biggest takeaway for me is meeting the kids and their family and just hearing their stories.”

Hamilton offers a few heartfelt words of encouragement at the end of each meet-and-greet.

Every message he shares is different one.

“It depends on the situation. If they are part of the Learn to Play program, my message for them is usually to enjoy the game and have fun. For the kids who are having difficult moments, you just want to let them know you are thinking of them and try to put a smile on their face at that moment.”

Just like the one Hamilton has after every interaction through his Dougie’s Buddies program.   

“Hopefully, I can make an impact – that is important to me.”