Predators Sign Haydar, Hrkac, and Zanon
July 10, 2004 - American Hockey League (AHL)
Milwaukee Admirals News Release
Nashville Predators Executive Vice President/General Manager David Poile announced today that the club has signed forwards Darren Haydar and Tony Hrkac and defenseman Greg Zanon. All three played significant roles in the Milwaukee Admirals run to the 2004 Calder Cup Title.
Haydar, 24, topped the AHL during the post-season with both 11 goals and 26 (11g-15a) points. The Toronto, Ontario native also led the Admirals, who serve as the Predators top developmental affiliate, in power-play (five) and game-winning goals (three) in the post-season. He also tied for the Milwaukee lead, with Hrkac and Mathieu Darche, in scoring (22g-37a-59pts) during the 03-04 regular season.
The 5-9, 170-pound winger also paced the Ads in scoring (29g-46a-75pts) in 2002-03, captured the Dudley (Red) Garrett Memorial Award as the AHL's outstanding rookie, and was a member of the 2003 AHL All-Rookie Team. Originally Nashville's 15th choice, 248th overall (ninth round), in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft, Haydar appeared in two games with the Predators in 2002-03.
In his second stint with Milwaukee, Hrkac, 38, tied for first on the Admirals in scoring (20g-39a-59pts) after being signed as a free agent by Nashville on November 4. The 17-year pro finished third on the Calder Cup champions in playoff points (8g-12a-20pts) and second in both post-season goals and assists.
In 12 NHL seasons with St. Louis, Quebec, San Jose, Chicago, Dallas, Edmonton, the New York Islanders, Anaheim and Atlanta, Hrkac has posted 132 goals and 239 assists (132g-239a-371pts) in 758 games. The 5-10, 190-pound Thunder Bay, Ontario native was also a member of the 1999 Stanley Cup Champion Dallas Stars, was named the International Hockey League's Most Valuable Player in 1992-93 and captured the 1987 Hobey Baker Memorial Trophy (top U.S. collegiate player). He was originally the St. Louis Blues' second choice, 32nd overall (second round), in the 1984 NHL Entry Draft.
Zanon, 24 , registered eight points (2g-6a) and an AHL-high +10 rating in 22 playoff games for the Admirals in 2004. Playing in his first pro season, the Burnaby, British Columbia native notched 16 points (4g-12a) and led AHL rookies with a +30 rating in 62 games.
The 6-0, 205-pound blueliner played four seasons (1999-2003) at the University of Nebraska-Omaha (CCHA), collecting 107 points (30g-77a) and 218 penalty minutes in 154 games. He ranks second on the university's all-time assist list, second on its all-time power-play goals list (16) and fourth on the Mavericks' all-time points. Zanon was named to the CCHA All-Rookie Team in 1999-00 and was named the CCHA's Best Offensive Defenseman in 2000-01. He was originally the Ottawa Senators' sixth choice, 156th overall (sixth round), in the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.
The Admirals begin their defense of the Calder Cup Championship on Friday, October 15. Season tickets and other ticket packages are currently available for 2004-05 season by calling the Admirals office at (414) 227-0550.
American Hockey League Stories from July 10, 2004
- Anaheim prospects to attend off-ice conditioning camp - Cincinnati RailRaiders
- Predators Sign Haydar, Hrkac, and Zanon - Milwaukee Admirals
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