Hurricanes ready for Traverse City NHL Prospects Tournament

Team announces roster for showcase competition

Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network

By Peter Koutroumpis

editor@trianglesportsnet.com

RALEIGH, N.C. – The Carolina Hurricanes announced on Wednesday the team’s roster for the 2018 NHL Prospects Tournament that will take place at Center Ice Arena in Traverse City, Mich., Sept. 7-11.

Traverse City NHL Prospects Tournament: Schedule/Live Stats

The Hurricanes lineup will include first-round draft picks Andrei Svechnikov (2018, 2nd overall), Martin Necas (2017, 12th overall), Jake Bean (2016, 13th overall), and Julien Gauthier (2016, 21st overall) among 11 total of the team’s recent picks.

Peter Koutroumpis, Triangle Sports Network

Other higher-profile prospects acquired via trade or free agency who will participate include selection Cliff Pu (Buffalo Sabres), Aleksi Saarela (New York Rangers), and free-agent signee Michael Fora.

Mike Vellucci, Hurricanes assistant general manager and head coach of the American Hockey League (AHL) Charlotte Checkers will assume head coaching duties.

All teams competing in the eight-team tournament hosted by the Detroit Red Wings organization will be comprised of drafted players and signees, as well as amateur tryout invitees.

A limited number of players with prior professional experience – in no case more than one full season – are eligible to compete.

With round-robin play taking place in two divisional groups, Carolina’s competition in the Gordie Howe Division begins Fri., Sept. 7, at 3:30 p.m. against the St. Louis Blues, followed by games against Chicago (Sept. 8 – 3 p.m.) and Columbus (Sept. 10 – 7 p.m.).

Along with teams from the Ted Lindsay Division, all teams will play a final game on Tues., Sept. 11 to determine final tournament ranking.

Carolina won the event in 2009 and 2016, finished third in 2017, fourth in 2014 and 2015, and placed sixth in 2013.

Peter Koutroumpis: 401-323-8960, @pksport