Sunny Mehta called it a dream come true Tuesday when the Wyckoff native was introduced as the new general manager of the New Jersey Devils.
Mehta demonstrated his Jersey roots when he was addressing the media for the first time as GM.
"Everyone goes to the bagel store for the Taylor ham, egg and cheese. Everybody goes down the shore," said Mehta.
Mehta, who is a former hockey player at Ramapo High School, said returning home to lead the franchise means everything to him.
"This is where I've always wanted to be. This is where I want to be. This is where I grew up," said Mehta. "This is my heart."
Mehta grew up watching the Devils win Stanley Cups. Former Devils greats Martin Brodeur and Ken Daneyko were both on hand Tuesday.
"Coming back to roost here in New Jersey where he watched a young Ken Daneyko play when he was a little boy and we built toward the ultimate goal. And it's winning and that's what it's about," said Daneyko, who won three Stanley Cups with New Jersey.
Mehta outlined his vision for the organization moving forward.
"My goal for this front office is quite simple. I want to make smart, objective and educated decisions, and I want to do it over and over and over again," he said.
One of the first major questions facing Mehta is the team's head coaching situation. Current head coach Sheldon Keefe was present Tuesday, but Mehta said there is no timetable for any decision.