Lock Monsters renew affiliation agreement with Carolina Hurricanes
Published on April 26, 2005 under American Hockey League (AHL)
Albany Devils News Release
Lowell, MA - Jim Rutherford, President and General Manager of the National Hockey League Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has renewed its affiliation agreement with the Lowell Lock Monsters of the American Hockey League (AHL) through the 2005-06 season. The Colorado Avalanche will also send their top prospects to Lowell as part of the one-year agreement.
Next season will mark the fifth consecutive year that the Hurricanes have used Lowell as their top minor league affiliate. Carolina has shared the affiliation with the Calgary Flames for the past two seasons. The Calgary Flames will place their AHL affiliate in Omaha, Nebraska for the 2005-06 season. Colorado was previously affiliated with the Hershey Bears of the AHL.
Carolina's prospects on the Lock Monsters roster this season include first round picks Eric Staal (2003) and Cam Ward (2002). Staal led the team in scoring for 2004-05, and set new Lock Monsters franchise records in points (77) and assists (51) in a season. Staal also led the AHL in shorthanded goals (7) and plus/minus (+37). Ward was fourth in the AHL this season in goals-against average (1.99) and first in save percentage (.937). Ward was named to the AHL's 2004-05 All-Rookie team, and his goals-against average, save percentage and wins (26) totals set new Lowell single-season records. Additional players in the Hurricanes' system include Lowell's top two all time leading scorers, Mike Zigomanis (191 pts) and Ryan Bayda (107 pts).
The Lock Monsters return to action tonight as they host the Hartford Wolf Pack in Game 4 of the Altantic Division Semi-Finals. Lowell trails the series 2-1. Face off is slated for 7:00 pm.
American Hockey League Stories from April 26, 2005
- Wolves Reassign Van Buskirk - Chicago Wolves
- Lock Monsters renew affiliation agreement with Carolina Hurricanes - Albany Devils
- 2005-06 Season Tickets On Sale Now - Syracuse Crunch
- Bears welcome Washington Capitals as new NHL affiliate - Hershey Bears
- Pirates Statement on Washington Capitals-Hershey Bears Affiliation - Portland Pirates
- AHL Quick Hits - AHL
- Aeros host Game 5 tonight; win sends series back to Chicago - Houston Aeros
- Phantoms Playoff Tickets For Games C and D on Sale Now - Adirondack Phantoms
- Penguins Outlast Binghamton in 3OT Thriller - Wilkes-Barre/Scranton Penguins
- Moose pummel Leafs to take lead in series - Manitoba Moose
The opinions expressed in this release are those of the organization issuing it, and do not necessarily reflect the thoughts or opinions of OurSports Central or its staff.
