Devils Announcer Describes Fans Seeking Hellebuyck at Team Hotel

New Jersey Devils television announcer Don La Greca said fans followed him and the broadcast crew as they walked to their hotel after the team’s November 10 game in Winnipeg. Some shouted questions about whether Hellebuyck was staying there, and police were stationed outside the hotel, he said.

Hellebuyck, who was traded to New Jersey last month after requesting a move from Winnipeg, did not play against his former team. Devils general manager Sunny Mehta had said that using the star goalie would lower the team’s expected chance of winning, a statement that drew widespread criticism.

Jets fans had booed Hellebuyck during warmups, chanted insults and displayed signs criticizing him. After the opening faceoff, fans also called out, asking where he was. Hellebuyck had expressed a desire to play.

La Greca said the crowd’s pursuit did not frighten him, though he joked about whether anyone might tamper with his food. He added that many people had been kind, but that he sensed strong hostility toward Hellebuyck.

Earlier on November 10, Hellebuyck said some incidents involving his family had gone beyond online death threats. He said the experiences helped settle his decision to leave, citing his responsibilities as a husband and father as well as his career.