The "Inaugural Era" Connection: The Devils moved from Colorado to New Jersey in 1982. During those first seasons, the team used custom local manufacturers like W.A. Goodman & Sons for their on-ice and sideline gear.
W.A. Goodman & Sons Tag: This California-based company was a premier supplier for professional sports teams in the 70s and 80s. Their specific "G" logo tag was phased out in the mid-80s, dating your jacket precisely to the Devils' first few seasons.
The Bill Vanderburg Tag: The presence of the Bill Vanderburg Company tag is a hallmark of authentic team-issued gear from that era. Vanderburg was a specialized distributor that handled "Exclusively Designed" apparel for professional training staffs. Similar jackets from this period were worn by coaching legends like Billy MacMillan and the original 1982 training staff.
Context for the Blue Color
While the Devils are famous for "Jersey Red," their original training staff and "Instructor" jackets were often produced in Royal Blue or Navy to distinguish staff from players, or as part of their early travel and practice sets.