Ramsey, N.J. – Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc. (Konica Minolta), a leading provider of advanced imaging and networking technologies for the desktop to the print shop, today announced that the company is an Official Sponsor and the Official Office Systems Provider of the 2010 National Hockey League (NHL) Entry Draft.  The 48th Annual NHL Entry Draft is taking place on June 25-26, 2010 at STAPLES Center in Los Angeles, home arena to the Los Angeles Kings.

The NHL Entry Draft, which began in 1969, allows each franchise of the NHL to select the rights to available ice hockey players meeting eligibility requirements to enter the league for the first time from junior, collegiate or European leagues.  The Entry Draft is a nationally televised event attended by top amateur prospects and their families, as well as coaching and management staff for each of the NHL franchises.

"The NHL Entry Draft is a significant event in our calendar year, one that is rich in history and tradition as the League's future stars are officially welcomed into the NHL family," said Kyle McMann, Director Integrated Marketing, NHL. "We are pleased to partner with Konica Minolta for this event and welcome them as an Official Sponsor and the Official Office Systems Provider of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft."

Konica Minolta will provide high- and mid-volume print systems to the floor of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft so that each franchise has the ability to print information from their location at the event.  This ability not only makes it convenient for the participating teams, but also helps reduce print volume in support of the NHL's green initiatives.

"Extending our sports marketing initiatives to include the NHL and the 2010 Entry Draft is an exciting opportunity and one that we are pleased to be a part of," said Kevin Kern, Senior Vice President, Marketing, Konica Minolta Business Solutions U.S.A., Inc.  "As an official sponsor of this event, Konica Minolta is able to reach our customers on a new level and further increase the brand awareness of our imaging and networking technologies.  We remain committed to ensuring that all customers across a broad range of industries can count on Konica Minolta for all their digital imaging needs."

The first round of the 2010 NHL Entry Draft will take place on Friday, June 25, beginning at 7 p.m. ET on VERSUS in the U.S. and TSN in Canada.  Rounds 2-7 will begin at 1 p.m. ET on NHL Network in the U.S. and TSN in Canada.