Binghamton Devils Cap Off 2 Day Event With Logo Unveil

Binghamton - New Jersey

Is this a perfect marriage in the works? Well, we all know perhaps it’s a stretch, but one would think so after the activities that took place in downtown Binghamton over the weekend. As a result, I came away feeling encouraged, but let’s address the elephant in the room first.

The New Jersey Devils made a splash on the local hockey community as they invaded the Southern Tier with a press conference held on Friday, followed by a logo/jersey unveiling on Saturday at the Floyd L. Maines Veterans Memorial Arena to cap off the two day event. There was a large turnout with many Devils’ jerseys that roamed the Arena and a line that delayed the festivities for a bit waiting to get Mr. Devils himself Ken Daneyko’s autograph. After a brief, yet entertaining storytelling by Daneyko followed by some questions from the fans, it was time to reveal what everyone was waiting for.

Photo provided by Alicia Strauch

The new logo appears to trend a different path than in the past, as a single letter is no longer like the one used in Albany. Even Devils’ President Hugh Weber called it “a radical change” from the past.

Let’s hear some reactions from some of the fans;

Meet & Greet With The Devils Organization Was Held On Friday

In what was a official meeting that took place on Friday in downtown Binghamton, there was BDevil’s VP Tom Mitchell’s familiar perch behind the podium as he began the presser with introductions of those behind the scenes that included Weber, who appeared extremely pleased with what had transpired in recent months (although it was brought up by Mitchell that this was in the works for the past one and half years) as he set a tone with his upbeat actions that was witnessed by myself off stage.

Among those In attendance was BDevils’ assistant coach Sergei Brylin, Daneyko and Devils’ radio personal Matt Loughlin, who served as the MC for the event. There was some politicians involved as well, including the Mayor of Binghamton Richard David who went out of his way in noting that resources will be readily available if needed for the Devils’ brass when speaking to the media.

Mitchell also mentioned that there’s work that is currently taking place inside the Arena in the form of upgrades including some cosmetic work, but the rink will be ready for action once the ice is formally laid out this coming fall for the home opener on Oct 7.

What stood out for myself is the upbeat attitude displayed by Weber, as he not only mingled his way around the crowd beforehand while he introduced himself with handshakes, but was equally jovial on the sidelines during the ceremonies with nods of approval and enthusiastic claps, while the local group welcomed him in, and the organization as a whole. Not sure what his relationship was like in Albany, but it was really astonishing to witness his acceptance to be part of Binghamton and it’s 40 year history in the AHL.

In summary, It’s been a pleasant surprise I’ll admit, as I wasn’t so sure what to expect going into the weekend, but I came out of it feeling pretty good that the Devils mean business, with a commitment to a winning atmosphere here in Binghamton.

A perfect marriage? Indeed.

BDevils Announce A Pair of Pre-Season Contests

BDevils will participate in a pair of pre-season games vs one of their rivals in Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins as part of the I-81 Series beginning on Sept 29th in Scranton, with a return date on Oct 1st at home.

What’s great about this is STH’s will receive a free pass for the home game. That’s the way it used to be years ago and it’s a small token for the fanbase that’s well deserved. It’s no wonder ticket sales are up 50% across the board vs last season as Mitchell and crew rely on past experiences and use what works.

Thanks for reading. Next up, I’ll begin the process of the line-up for the team and what’s in store heading into the 2017-’18 campaign.