Irbe Recalled to Hurricanes

Published on February 17, 2004 under ECHL (ECHL)
Johnstown Chiefs News Release


Johnstown, PA- The National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes announced tonight that they have recalled Johnstown Chiefs goaltender Arturs Irbe. Irbe did play for the Chiefs in their 5-4 win over Peoria tonight making 31 saves.

Irbe, 37, has appeared in 14 games for the Chiefs this season, going 10-3-1 with a 2.12 GAA and a 0.921 save percentage. The Riga, Latvia native was assigned to the Chiefs on October 16th playing in 12 of the Chiefs first 15 games before a hand injury sidelined him until last Friday's 4-3 win at Toledo.

Irbe has spent the last five seasons with the Hurricanes including 34 games with them in 2002-03. He led Carolina to the 2002 Stanley Cup finals where they lost in five games to the Detroit Red Wings. He has played in the 1994 and 1999 NHL all-star games along with representing his native Latvia in the 2002 Olympics in Salt Lake City.

In 2000-01, Irbe led all NHL goaltenders in games played (77), which tied second-most in league history with Martin Brodeur (1995-96), and was tied for third overall in the NHL with 37 wins. Irbe has also seen NHL action with San Jose, Dallas, and Vancouver. In 558 career NHL games, Irbe has a 213-234-78 record, with a 2.82 goals against average. Irbe began his professional career in 1988 with Riga of the Soviet National League where he won the leagues rookie of the year award. He was the Minnesota North Stars 10th round pick (196th overall) in the 1989 NHL entry draft.

Irbe is expected to join the Hurricanes in time for their 12:00 p.m. practice Thursday at the RBC Center, in Raleigh.

The Chiefs are off until Saturday when they host the Trenton Titans. Dale Earnhardt Jr.'s #8 Budweiser car will be on display at the arena throughout the game. Also, the first 1,500 people will receive a FREE Budweiser car poster from Von's United Beverage. Sunday afternoon, the Chiefs host the Dayton Bombers at 2:30 p.m. Following Sunday's game, there will be a "Skate With the Chiefs." Admission is free; however skate rentals will not be available. Tickets are still available at the War Memorial box office, or by calling (814) 536-5156 or 1-800-CHF-TIXX.

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