Hurricanes - PR

CALGARY HURRICANES IN BATTLE FOR PRESIDENT'S TROPHY

The 'Canes are not as mighty as they once were, but they are still battling for 1st overall

CALGARY, AB - The Hurricanes have shifted a lot of their team over the last season which all started with the retirement of all-star goaltender Sean Burke. The team has since seen the season starting with a rookie tandem of goaltenders and then quickly a change in guard with the addition of Roman Cechmanek who can warm up faster than a pizza pop and cool off quicker than an ice cube on the beaches of Cancun. Markus Naslund will likely not hit the 100-point plateau, nor will his counterparts in Shawn Bates or Bill Guerin. Chris Pronger is a almost a shoe in for the Norris Trophy for the first time in his career in the TFHL, and the rookie sensations of Ryan Kesler, Brandon Reid and Jason King continue to tear it up on the farm team.

Not too bad.

The Hurricanes are battling with five other teams for first place overall in the TFHL: Owls, Rednexs, Wheat King, Pain and Achaeans. Each team packs as much fire power as the mighty 'Canes and are all serious contenders when the playoffs start in mere weeks. With the season almost over, lets take a look at some of the top performers and who just might light it up for the Hurricanes in the final games of the season.

(1)

MARKUS NASLUND

The reigning two-time League MVP has been the heart and soul of this franchise. Markus is known for firing it up in the final games leading up to the playoffs, this time it might decide whether or not he will hit that elusive 100 point plateau.

(2)

ALEXANDRE SVITOV

This 19-year old sophmore helps compliment the teams aggressive scoring line up. Only a point behind Markus Naslund's team leading 82 points, its expected this crafty winger will explode on a line featuring Brendan Morrison and last seasons Rocket Richard trophy winner Bill Guerin.

(3)

CHRIS PRONGER

This might be the season Chris Pronger wins the Norris Trophy. The past two seasons he's seen Nicklas Lidstrom take home the trophy. If the Captainof the Hurricanes continues his steady and resilient performance this season, he'll be a shoe-in for the leagues top defenseman.

(4)

SHAWN BATES

Although Shawn won't come close to what his break out season was last season, being the top centre between Markus Naslund and Shane Endicott, Shawn should be able to compliment the scoring finess of Naslund and the aggressive force of Endicott.

(5)

BILL GUERIN

A true veteran and one of the top power forwards in the league. Although he is not putting up the numbers like he used to, its expected this born-leader to take the team by the horns in the final stretch.

Stay Tuned for the Calgary Sun's 1st round playoff preview for the Hurricanes.....

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