Jeff Vanderbeek solves New Jersey Devils Financial Problems, Gains Sole Ownership -NHL Update
It was definitely good news for all New Jersey Devils’ fans as they finally got something to look forward to with the lockout still going on as Jeff Vanderbeek announced that the National Hockey League (NHL) franchise is finally free from its financial crisis
along with him gaining sole ownership.
Following the 2011-2012 NHL regular season, the New Jersey Devils were facing tough times as they sought refinancing and lost a key player in the process. Former captain, Zach Parise, left the team after citing how they were unable to lock him on to a long
term deal due to the financial crunch and ultimately signed on to a monstrous contract with the Minnesota Wild.
"Today's announcement is good news for Devils fans, though I fully recognize fans' frustration with the work stoppage," the statement said. "Our future is now secure and we can be confident of continued on-ice success. Our team has gone to the Stanley Cup
Final five times in the last 17 years and following the most recent run to the Stanley Cup Final last year, we are excited about our future -- for Jersey's team and Prudential Center, home to the 2013 NHL draft."
Prior to the news, Devils fans were uncertain as to whether the ownership group would remain the same and if not, would the team stay in New Jersey or would it be moved somewhere else.
"Together, we shared a passion that led to the building of the Prudential Center -- truly a shining jewel of a facility and in my view, one of the best arenas in the entire world," Vanderbeek added. "The Rock is a great legacy for which we will always be
proud."
The New Jersey Devils are one of the most celebrated teams in the NHL and looking how they won the Stanley Cup in 1995, 2000 and 2003 along with making an appearance in the Stanley Cup Finals in 2012 but losing to the Los Angeles Kings.
It will be interesting to see how the team bounces back financially and how it affects the team in total when hockey gets back on schedule.
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