NEWARK ­- U.S. Senator Robert Menendez today applauded the National Hockey Leagues' decision to hold the third round of the league's entry draft at the Prudential Center on Tuesday evening.

Senator Menendez had written to the NHL in support of the Prudential Center's bid to host the draft.

"This is outstanding news for the Prudential Center, the City of Newark and hockey fans throughout New Jersey and the Tri-State area. As New Jersey Devils fans throughout the state can attest, the Prudential Center is the home of some of the greatest athletic excitement. The New Jerseys Devils is an organization known, not only for its incredible prowess on the ice, but also for the great contributions it makes to the Newark community. I greatly appreciate NHL Commissioner Gary Bettman's recognizing those qualities in a great team and hockey enthusiasm we have here in New Jersey. "


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