NEWARK, NJ — It was a cool first day of school – literally – for students at Phillip's Academy Charter School in Newark.

On Monday, students returning from summer vacation were stunned to find out that their school was the recipient of a brand-new outdoor hockey rink, courtesy of a charitable partnership between the New Jersey Devils, Prudential Center and United Airlines.

Newark Mayor Ras Baraka, Devils center Travis Zajac, school officials and representatives from the three organizations were on hand Monday at 342 Central Avenue to cut the ribbon on the new rink. After 200 Phillip's Academy Charter School students gathered in the gym to hear about the new play area, the eager youngsters got a chance to hit the rink and inspire some smiles.