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New Jersey Devils Should Lean More On Organ Play When Fans Are Allowed Back

By Matthew Junio

NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 18: The New Jersey Devils unveiled a new 3D projection system to fans during pregame ceremonies prior to the home opening game against the San Jose Sharks at the Prudential Center on October 18, 2014 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images)
NEWARK, NJ - OCTOBER 18: The New Jersey Devils unveiled a new 3D projection system to fans during pregame ceremonies prior to the home opening game against the San Jose Sharks at the Prudential Center on October 18, 2014 in Newark, New Jersey. (Photo by Bruce Bennett/Getty Images) /
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I have been a fan of hockey and the New Jersey Devils for most of my life and going to the Prudential Center (and The Continental Airlines Arena) never gets old. One part of the hockey experience that I enjoy the most is listening to Pete Cannarozzi play the organ. The overall sound of the organ and Pete playing popular songs are soothing and relaxing to the ears. It is the calm before the storm of players battling it out on the ice.

Over the past couple of years, the organ was being played less than usual. Usually, it is played before the pregame skate, in between stoppages of play, and during intermission. Now, it only being played up until 10-15 minutes before the pregame warm-ups, and when there are stoppages in play. Replacing the organ is regular music, which mainly includes modern hits.

As a hockey fan, using the organ less and replacing it with modern mainstream music takes away some of the hockey experience. The organ is one of the traditions of hockey. It also gives time for the organist, including Pete, time to enjoy what he does best: playing tunes on the organ during Devils games to entertain the fans. It is disappointing to see that the organist has less time to enjoy doing what he loves at Devils games and do it in front of a crowd. Organist Pete has a lot of talent and it should not be put to waste. In addition, it might draw away some of the older fans since they are used to an organ and classic rock music being played.

On the other hand, there might be some key factors that caused the organ to be used less. The marketing staff could be using this strategy to appeal to younger fans. This is reasonable in the marketing aspect because pop and rap music is extremely popular in this day of age. In addition, it might take some load off of Pete.

Organist Pete has been playing the piano and organ for over 40 years and counting. This long career includes him entering his 20th year of being the organist for the New Jersey Devils and his fourth for the Brooklyn Nets. To add to this, he also does other events on the side. Maybe the new philosophy is to keep Organist Pete from overworking himself. Making him play less at Devils games will benefit Pete’s well-being by providing meaningful rest for the prevention of injuries.

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Overall, I believe that the organ is currently being underutilized at Devils games. It takes away a tradition of hockey and it does not allow Pete to play in front of fans. Allowing him to play more on game days can bring back some tradition to Devil’s hockey and might allow him to have some more fun with the fans.

What do you guys think? Do you agree that the organ should be used more during the game or are you fine with the current state of things? Feel free to leave a comment below and let’s get a discussion rolling.

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