PR - Hurricanes

CALGARY OUTSIDE OF THE PLAYOFF PICTURE; MARC CRAWFORD RE-HIRED

Calgary, AB - The Calgary Hurricanes fired Craig MacTavish last week and
re-hired former TFHL Champion Marc Crawford.  The move to fire
MacTavish was expected after the star loaded Hurricanes fell apart in so
many ways.

"It's an exciting day to be back in Calgary.  Obviously the faces have
changed significantly since I left.  It's simply a different team with a
bit of a different
identity.  I look forward to working with this group." said Crawford.

The Calgary Hurricanes, despite boasting stars such as Markus Naslund,
Alexandre Svitov, and Bryan McCabe, have failed to become legitimate
contenders
in the Eastern Conference.  "I think we have got to step it up, and I
think we are doing that." Said Naslund.  Naslund has been leading by
example, as he has potted
5 goals in his last 2 games and has once again become a force in the
scoring standings among players.

The top line of Shawn Bates, Markus Naslund, and Alexandre Svitov has
been reunited, and the entire unit is starting to click again.  The
second line up is featuring a new
comer at center in Matthew Lombardi who has been able to compliment
Maxim Afinogenov who came over in the trade with Lombardi for Chris
Pronger.  Jason King rounds
up the scoring punch on this speedy line.

The Hurricanes have began to go towards the youth movement with players
such as Alexandre Svitov, Jason King, and Matthew Lombardi.  The defense
is expected to change drastically
next season as many newcomers such as Ryan Parent, Andy Rogers, and
Badass Jack are expected to begin battling for spots on defense.  The
timing to add this individuals is great as key guys
such as Richard Matvichuk and Kenny Jonsson increase in age and decrease
in productivity.

"I would say our team is the deepest we've ever been in terms of
prospects.  Both Alex Svitov and Jason King came through our system, so
we expect our defense to follow the same approach.  In the next
few seasons it can be expected a goalie or two will join us up here as
well." Said GM Major.

Of course, the GM is referring to hot prospects Peter Budaj and Corey
Schneider.  Schneider, at 18 years of age is regarded as the heir
aparrent to current start Brian Boucher, with Peter Budaj also
considered a possible starter in the future.  The team hasn't had a
goaltender prospect like these two goalies since Tobias Stephan was
dealt away a few seasons ago.

The Hurricanes currently sit 2 points out of 8th spot in the Eastern
conference, and will continue the battle to make the playoffs.


Calgary Sun 2006