UTICA — Martin Brodeur is the most well-known player to put on a Utica Devils’ jersey. 

With the Utica Comets linking back with the New Jersey Devils as the team’s American Hockey League affiliate this season, the subject of a bobblehead was an easy decision for team president Rob Esche and the staff as they weighed a promotion schedule.

Brodeur, considered one of the best players in history, played 32 games with Utica in his first full professional season in 1992-93 when the team was New Jersey’s affiliate the first time.

“He’s obviously the greatest goalie of all-time,” said Esche, who grew up in Whitesboro and attended Utica Devils’ games before going on to his own NHL career as a goaltender. “There wasn’t much debate over it. I think when you look at the most iconic player to ever play in Utica, Marty Brodeur is clearly at the top of that list. ... When I was growing up, Marty was here and I loved it.” 

The 49-year-old Brodeur is now an advisor with New Jersey, which also made the decision to select him as the bobblehead “a natural fit,” Esche said.

Notably, Brodeur is set to be in attendance at the Comets’ game Wednesday, April 6, when the bobblehead is given out to the nearly 4,000 fans in attendance against the Belleville Senators. The bobblehead features the No. 1 Utica Devils jersey he wore with the team.

“(The Utica Devils’ jersey) is more fitting than putting him in a jersey that he’s never worn,” Esche said. “He’s a big part of the organization.” 

It is the first time that Brodeur will be in Utica since his playing days with the AHL team, Esche said.

Esche said there have been inquiries from people from outside the area about trying to obtain the bobblehead since the figure was announced.

“I think the reaction overall has been good,” said, Esche, whose team has given out other bobbleheads in past seasons.

In Brodeur’s one season with Utica, he finished with a 4.30 goals-against average and a 14-13-5 record when the game was more open. 

Brodeur’s legendary career went on to span 22 NHL seasons. That includes 21 seasons and more than 1,200 games with the Devils, with whom he won three Stanley Cups. He also played one season with St. Louis and finished his career with an NHL-record 688 wins, 31,540 saves, a .912 save percentage and 124 shutouts. In the playoffs, he went 113-91 with 24 shutouts, including seven in the 2003 Stanley Cup playoffs. He was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame in 2018. 

Brodeur’s bobblehead is one of two that the Comets are set to give out this season. The other bobblehead is scheduled to be given out during the team’s fan appreciation week later in April. The subject of the bobblehead has not been announced, but it is anticipated to be another well-known member of the organization. 

Other promotions

The Comets’ promotional schedule also includes a “Roaring 20s Night” with a nod to the 1920s on Saturday, April 16 against Belleville.

The team is set to wear a special jersey that includes a “tie-in” to Utica’s past. The team has not yet unveiled the jersey.

“I think it is a jersey everyone is going to love,” Esche said. 

And, as the team prepares to celebrate its 10th AHL season in 2022-23, the Comets are also set to give out a special jersey featuring 10 stars with the team’s shield logo to the 3,000 season-ticket holders. Each jersey will be authenticated with a specific number, Esche said. 

“It just feels like the right timing for everything,” Esche said.