Vanderbeek takes over sole control of Devils

The Devils said that CIT Group was the lead agency in handling the refinancing. In conjunction with the deal, the minority owners, Brick City Hockey and its related entities, no longer have a stake in the team.

Vanderbeek was close to refinancing the nearly $80 million in debt during the playoffs last season. The team's run to the Stanley Cup final — where it lost to Los Angeles in six games — generated roughly $32 million in revenues and Vanderbeek's financial footing also improved with the Prudential Center emerging as one of the country's top revenue-producing facilities in recent years.

"Today's announcement is good news for Devils fans though I fully recognize fans' frustration with the work stoppage," Vanderbeek said in a statement. "Our future is now secure and we can be confident of continued on-ice success. Our team has gone to the Stanley Cup final five times in the last 17 years and following the most recent run to the final last year, we are excited about our future — for Jersey's team and the Prudential Center, home to the 2013 NHL Draft."

Vanderbeek thanked Mike Gilfillan, who owned and ran Brick City Hockey LLC, which had a minority interest the team.

"Together, we shared a passion that led to the building of the Prudential Center — truly a shining jewel of a facility and in my view, one of the best arenas in the entire world," Vanderbeek said. "The Rock is a great legacy for which we will always be proud."