Devils President Jake Reynolds and Interim General Manager Tom Fitzgerald wrote an open letter to Devils fans that appeared on the team’s official website today.
You can find a link to that here: here.
The letter basically states that the team will keep the fans updated on the NHL’s coronavirus suspension through the usual channels of the official website, social media and, if you are a season ticket holder, your Account Services Manager.
The letter did mention that offices at the Prudential Center are closed, for the safety of the staff and all events through March have been postponed at Prudential Center, not just hockey. They did also confirm that owners Josh Harris and David Blitzer are supporting “game and event day part-time employees” at the arena. They will be paid for any postponed Devils games and other events at the arena.
As well, the RWJBarnabas Health Hockey House will be closed for the time being. That is the practice rink for the Devils, but also hosts other forms of hockey such as youth games, adult beer leagues and other practices and tournaments.
This was a nice gesture by the Devils’ brass. It is great to hear confirmation that the game-day employees are being paid. That is one of the major worries you would have going into this situation. Otherwise, they just essentially reiterated that fans should “stay safe, be smart, and take care of each other” as the letter put it, which is a great message.