BLOG: Binghamton Devils to Play In New Jersey For Next Season

Newark, New Jersey will be home to two professional hockey teams this upcoming 2020-21 season. On Monday, the American Hockey League announced their plan to start up the AHL season with realignment when the season opens on February 5th. The Binghamton Devils are one of four teams that have been granted temporary relocation and will be housed in the same building as their NHL team affiliate.
The Devils will play in a new 'North Division' along with the Hershey Bears (WAS), Lehigh Valley Phantoms (PHI), Rochester Americans (BUF), Syracuse Crunch (TBL), Utica Comets (VAN), and Wilkes-Barre Scranton Penguins (PIT).
Binghamton, lead by head coach Mark Dennehy had a 34-24-4 record in 62 games and a seven-game win streak before the 2019-20 season was shut down.
Jake Reynolds, President, New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center, provided the following statement:
"Due to the impact of COVID-19 on the AHL schedule and the subsequent limits it imposed, we worked with Binghamton's business operations to evaluate multiple scenarios, options and financial evaluations for the 2020-21 season. Based on that information, we agree that it is to the benefit of all parties to relocate our AHL Hockey Operations to our NHL home facility for this year. This decision was made in the best business interests of Binghamton, while allowing the organization to continue to develop its prospects. Being based out of New Jersey also allows a consistency with testing, monitoring and training to be in-line with our protocols on the NHL level. All of these factors influenced the move to minimize concerns and allow the organization to have a team this year."