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Calandra’s Bakery is offering New Jersey Devils fans a chance to get up close and personal with team captain Nico Hischier.

Under a partnership announced Nov. 30, the family-owned and operated business is hosting two special appearances by the NHL player during the 2023-24 season, as well as raffling off jerseys signed by him at various events over the next few months.

Additionally, Calandra’s Caldwell location will sell “Nico-themed” cookies and custom designed Hischier-branded gift cards, with 20% of all sales donated to the Devils Youth Foundation — the charitable arm for the team and Prudential Center.

After making his first appearance Oct. 10 at Calandra’s café in Caldwell, the business will host Hischier again at an event in either February or March, according to the Devils.

In a statement, Hischier said, “I’m really happy to be working together with a local business here in New Jersey, while I can support the Devils Youth Foundation. It’s really important to me; we’ve done things as a team already, I’ve been to some events, and it’s just great to be able to give something back to our community.”

Founded in 1962 by Italian immigrant Luciano Calandra, the business has grown to include a 50,000-square-foot operation in Newark as well as additional bakeries in Newark and Fairfield that deliver their products to more than 500 supermarkets, delis and restaurants in the tri-state area.

Calandra’s has also served for many years as the “Official Bakery and Bread of the New Jersey Devils” and will continue as a corporate partner this season. As part of the arrangement, it will host three away game viewing parties at its restaurants, as well as be presenting partner of the Birthday Scroll program.

A night to remember

The New Jersey Devils and RWJBarnabas Health recently held Hockey Fights Cancer Night at Prudential Center in Newark and played host to one very special guest, shown at right with Nico Hischier. Click here to read more.