Right Wing Scored 61 Goals in 2002-03

RALEIGH, N.C. (Aug. 6, 2003) – Jason Karmanos, Vice President and Assistant General Manager of the Carolina Hurricanes, announced today that the team has signed free agent right wing Chad LaRose to a three-year contract. As per club policy, terms of the deal were not announced.

In 67 games during the 2002-03 campaign, LaRose (5’ 10”, 173 lbs.) led the Ontario Hockey League’s Plymouth Whalers to the West Division title, notching 61 goals and 56 assists. He finished third in OHL scoring with 117 points, and his 61 goals ranked tied for second in the league, 20 more markers than the league’s fourth-best goal scorers. The Fraser, Mich., native added nine goals and eight assists (17 points) in 15 playoff games.

“Chad had a strong offensive year for Plymouth,” said Karmanos. “We look forward to him beginning his professional career in our organization this season.”

In his three seasons with Plymouth, LaRose scored 111 goals, earned 90 assists (201 points) and accumulated 116 penalty minutes in 152 regular-season games. Larose, 21, is scheduled to attend the Hurricanes’ rookie camp in Ottawa, Ont., in early September.