Right Wing Saw First NHL Action in 2002-03

RALEIGH, N.C. (July 15, 2003) – Jason Karmanos, Vice President and Assistant General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, today announced that the team has signed right wing Jeff Heerema to a one-year contract. As per club policy, no terms of the deal were released.

“Jeff played well for the Hurricanes last year before his injury,” said Karmanos. “We look for him to challenge for a spot in our lineup this season.”

Heerema, 23, made his National Hockey League debut in 2002-03 and scored three goals in 10 games with Carolina before suffering a season-ending wrist injury. Prior to his Jan. 16 recall from Lowell of the American Hockey League, Heerema (6’ 1”, 195 lbs.) led the Lock Monsters with 15 goals and 17 assists (32 points) in 36 AHL games. Since turning professional in 2000-01, Heerema has scored 65 goals, earned 70 assists (135 points) and accumulated 135 penalty minutes in 185 AHL and IHL games. The Thunder Bay, Ont., native was drafted by Carolina in the first round, 11th overall, in the 1998 NHL Entry Draft.