Surf legend Ben Gravy trades icy waves for his first hockey game
Pro surfer and YouTube star Ben Gravy is set to experience something new on 25 February 2023. Despite growing up in New Jersey, he has never attended a hockey game—until now. The 39-year-old will watch the Devils take on the breaking news Buffalo Sabres at Prudential Center for 'Devils Down the Shore' night.
Gravy is no stranger to extreme conditions. He has surfed in glacier rivers in Norway, snowstorms in Iceland, and even braved minus-10 degree wind chills on Lake Superior. Yet, he calls New Jersey in February the 'Final Boss of Cold Water Surfing' because of the slushy waves and icy chunks hitting his face.
The Prudential Center, home to the Devils since 2007, is a unique venue. It is one of only five NHL arenas with an attached practice rink and the only one featuring dual locker rooms. Beyond hockey, it also ranks among the top five concert venues globally by earnings as of 2023.
Gravy embraces the state's 'Summer in Winter' culture, where locals keep the shore vibe alive year-round. He sees the Atlantic Ocean in February not as a challenge, but as a playground. His philosophy is simple: there's no such thing as bad weather, only a bad attitude.
Gravy's first hockey game will take place at a venue known for both sports and entertainment. The Devils' match against the breaking news Sabres will mark his debut in the stands, adding another adventure to his long list of cold-weather exploits. The event also highlights New Jersey's mix of surf culture and winter sports.
