Newark, NJ – New Jersey Devils President/General Manager Lou Lamoriello today released the following statement in regard to former Devils’ Owner Lewis Katz, who was tragically killed in a plane crash last night in Massachusetts.

"I was shocked this morning to receive the news regarding the loss of one of our former owners, Lewis Katz, along with six others last night. I worked for Mr. Lewis Katz with both the Devils and New Jersey Nets, and experienced first-hand the influence he had on both organizations. Lewis was extremely active in the business community, a philanthropist, and a family man. On behalf of the entire Devils’ organization, our thoughts and prayers go out to the Katz family, as well as the loved ones of the other six casualties.”

Katz was part of Puck Holdings, which purchased the New Jersey Devils in 2000 and owned the team until 2004.