ALBANY, NY – Albany Devils Chief Executive Officer Christopher Ciceri has announced that he will retire at the end of the 2016-17 season. He will spend the upcoming year as a Special Advisor to New Jersey Devils and Prudential Center President Hugh Weber.
“We are grateful for the professionalism, energy and class Chris brought to the Devils family for the past nine seasons,” said Weber. “His dedication to the organization, from Albany to New Jersey, has helped set the stage for continued success.”
Ciceri just completed his ninth season with the organization. He originally came out of retirement from in 2007 to serve as the Lowell Devils Executive Director. He was instrumental in the relocation of the franchise from Lowell, MA, to Albany, NY, before the 2010-11 season. The move helped preserve the rich tradition of AHL hockey in the Capital Region. He was promoted to CEO in 2011.
“It has been an honor and privilege to work for the New Jersey Devils for the last decade,” Ciceri said. “I was on a golf course in Florida when Mr. Lamoriello asked me to join the organization and have truly enjoyed the experience and working with so many wonderful people. I have been a fan of the Devils since they were the Kansas City Scouts and I will continue to be a big supporter for the rest of my life.
“Although I still have a year left until I close this chapter, I would like to thank my wife Ann-Marie, my children Chris and Katie and the rest of my family. I would also like to thank Mr. Lamoriello, Chris Lamoriello, Hugh Weber, Ray Shero, Tom Fitzgerald and the entire Devils’ organization, specifically, the extremely talented staff in Albany, including Kevin Zalaznik and Josh Heller who have been with me the last six years. Just as important, I’d also like to recognize the fans and all of our partners for their enthusiasm and commitment to the Albany Devils.”
In addition to running the day-to-day business operations of the New Jersey Devils top developmental team, Ciceri also served as Albany’s Alternate Governor and was responsible for establishing and maintaining a positive relationship with the Capital Region community.
With Ciceri transitioning to a Special Advisor role, Albany Devils General Manager and New Jersey Devils Assistant General Manager Tom Fitzgerald will continue to oversee the AHL Devils’ hockey operations and governance. Chief Revenue Officer Doug Hine, who was appointed to the position on Apr. 4, will be responsible for day-to-day business operations.
