Newark, NJ — The New Jersey Devils continue to find new ways to successfully engage fans through social media, as Devils Arena Entertainment has been selected as a finalist in two categories for PR News’ inaugural Social Media Icon Awards. ‘Mission Control,’ the digital communications center launched by the Devils in 2011, is nominated in the categories of ‘Games’ for the ‘New Jersey Devils Doodle Contest’ and ‘Best Social Media Team.’

A pro sports first, the Devils Mission Control features a Digital Command Center located inside the Prudential Center (@PruCenter), designed to more effectively manage, monitor, and measure the franchise’s online brand engagements.  Mission Control is fueled in part by the Devils Army Generals (@DevilsGenerals), a team of two-dozen socially-savvy fans who utilize Twitter, Facebook and other online channels hosted by the team/arena to extend the organization’s reach.

Mission Control has recently been featured for its innovation in two new college textbooks: Social Media in Sport Marketing by Holcomb Hathaway Publishers and Sports Publicity A Practical Approach by Joe Favorito.

“To be nominated for these two PR News awards is affirmation of our effort to use social media to more effectively talk with our fans,” said Jeff Vanderbeek, Chairman, Devils Arena Entertainment.  “We focus every day on enhancing our connection to the Devils Army.”

Huffington Post praised the Devils and ‘Mission Control’, “The Devils, have become one of the leaders in the league (NHL) which probably does the digital space better than any sports property.” While ESPN announced, “No team has taken up social media like the New Jersey Devils,” the New York Times stated, “Devils Use Social Media as a Promotional Tool,” and USA Today said, “…an unprecedented step in connecting with fans.”