Remarkable footage of 9/11 from the Hudson River includes shots of Devils' owner Jeff Vanderbeek escaping collapse of North Tower

Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek, escaping the collapse of the North Tower, on 11 Sept. 2001. See video below.

Earlier today, I was watching this remarkable video that I'd never seen before. It was taken from a boat on the Hudson River on Sept. 11, 2001 — and shows the collapse of the North Tower. Amazingly, as I watched the video, at about the 3-minute mark, in comes Devils' owner Jeff Vanderbeek, who was running from a pier to get on to the boat, clearly to get out of Manhattan back to New Jersey, literally moments after the second tower collapsed.

I suspect Jeff was working at Lehman at the time — and I also wonder if he even knows of this video's existence. It's remarkable footage (not just because of Vanderbeek's presence) as it shows the best of humanity — people helping people on the most horrifying day this nation has ever seen. Please take a look.

Devils owner Jeff Vanderbeek writes note to Devils fans after Saturday's win thanking them for braving the weather

Vanderbeek

Dear Devils Fans —

Saturday was all about the best New Jersey has to offer.  Some snow?  No big deal.  It meant building a snowman, sledding and hockey.  And when it came to hockey, you showed up in huge numbers to see a great effort by Jersey’s Team at the Rock.

The game was sold out in advance and we had fewer than 700 no shows.  It’s a testament to the hard work by NJTransit, NJDOT, Essex County and Newark, along with all the other towns in northern New Jersey to make sure the roads and rails were so easy to use.  And, of course, it speaks to your dedication as Devils fans. 

With your help we have sold out 17 of the last 18 homes games.  What’s more, because of your loud, passionate support as a member of the Devils Army, Prudential Center is now earning a reputation as a tough place to play.  So thank you for being the best fans in the NHL and for having that Jersey attitude to not let a little snow stop you from coming to root for the Devils.

On behalf of the entire Devils organization, we appreciate it!

Best,

Jeff Vanderbeek
Chairman