From: Times Union

Story by: Pete Dougherty

In an effort to keep the Albany Devils at Times Union Center beyond the 2015-16 American Hockey League season, county and city officials are calling on local business leaders to attend a breakfast meeting next month.

A letter co-signed by Albany County Executive Dan McCoy and Albany Mayor Kathy Sheehanhas been distributed to hundreds of leaders, asking them to attend an "Albany Slap-Shot Breakfast Meeting" at 8 a.m. Wednesday, July 22, on the floor of the downtown arena.

The New Jersey Devils, parent team to the AHL, signed a lease extension with the building, but only for one season. The previous contract was for five years.

"The Devils' contributions extend far behind the confines of the Times Union Center and downtown Albany," the letter states. "For these reasons, we feel it is vital to continue to grow the area's support for professional hockey and sustain that long-standing tradition."

This will be the 23rd season of an AHL tenant at the arena, which was host to the Albany River Rats for 17 years.