For the second consecutive year, all 30 NHL facilities have pledged their commitment to World Wildlife Fund’s (WWF) Earth Hour, the world’s largest annual public action for the environment.

On Saturday, March 23, all NHL arenas will join hundreds of millions of homes and businesses worldwide, switching-off non-essential lighting for one hour, from 8:30 to 9:30 PM local time. Eighteen of the League’s 30 Clubs will be in action that Saturday.

While energy builds on the ice with Playoff positions at stake, all facilities will scale back the electricity used in their operations during the globally recognized hour.

The goal of Earth Hour is to show the world that even taking the seemingly smallest measures to conserve energy is a big step in the right direction for communities, businesses and governments across the globe.

“During my career as a hockey player, I learned the importance of teamwork,” said Scott Niedermayer, Stanley Cup Champion and WWF-Canada Ambassador. “Join Earth Hour and help win the fight against climate change. We’re all on the same team when it comes to the future of our planet.”

NHL Green is further supporting this initiative by reducing energy usage at NHL headquarters in New York City at that time.

The New Jersey Devils will mark Earth Hour this Saturday by shutting down the outside marquee video screen, as well as adjusting the building’s systems so the Prudential Center does not draw as much power during that timeframe. Prudential Center currently embraces a number of green energy-efficient initiatives including the use of biofuel oil, a state-of-the-art dehumidifying system and the donation of remaining food after arena events and hockey games.

"The NHL is a great example of how an organization with immense influence can motivate its members, players, partners and fans to take action to protect the Earth,” said Andy Ridley, CEO and Co-Founder of Earth Hour. “As our planet warms, outdoor ice hockey areas – where future NHL heroes practice – are at risk, due to shorter ice seasons. We challenge the NHL to take its crucial role in environmental initiatives like Earth Hour and go beyond the hour, to not only protect the future of the sport, but also the future of the planet for coming generations."

NHL Green encourages all fans to participate in Earth Hour on Saturday, March 23 and commit to making small adjustments that reduce their impact on the natural environment.