New Jersey Devils Introduce Unique Popcorn Bucket Game

Have you ever found yourself at a hockey game wishing you could engage in some hockey-esque activity using a piece of popcorn as a puck? Probably not. But just in case you have, the New Jersey Devils have taken it upon themselves to make that a reality.

Introducing the official Devils-themed popcorn bucket, complete with a pinball-style hockey game on top. It’s a creative innovation, crafted by the folks at Levy Restaurants, and it might just become a highlight in the ongoing competition for the most unique stadium snack vessels.

We truly are living in a remarkable time for stadium food innovations. From beer-infused snacks to creative containers filled with unexpected delights, it’s hard not to feel a sense of pride about where we are today in the world of sports concessions.

Comparatively, I’ll take these inventive snacks over the grim realities of the past, like sickness and poorly ventilated arenas. It really is a different world out there.

That said, this new popcorn bucket makes me pause. It’s certainly an intriguing concept, but if the goal is to attract fans to watch hockey, do people really need entertainment while they’re sitting in the stands?

I always thought the game itself was thrilling enough.

I don’t have any kids myself—just a dog and a bit of spending money—but I can imagine being quite frustrated if I spent on NHL tickets and pricey popcorn only to watch my kids more focused on flicking around popcorn than on the actual pro athletes performing in front of them.

It almost feels like a scenario where you want them to do something productive, but when you check on them, you find they’re just playing a simulation game about cleaning.

Still, I’m fairly sure I’d excel at this popcorn hockey game. I’ve got surprisingly fast reflexes and enough spatial awareness to manage the unpredictable bounces of those corn kernels against the boards.

So, would I purchase one of these popcorn buckets? Probably not. But I’d definitely have fun showing off my skills to anyone who did.