The Hurricanes could be opening next season in Finland as part of the 2010 NHL Premiere in Europe, general manager Jim Rutherford said today.
"We've been in discussions for a few weeks," said Rutherford, who is attending the NHL governors meeting in California. "There has been no confirmation of it, but there's a good chance we will be in it. The discussions have been good and everything moving in the right direction."
The Hurricanes have three Finns in their lineup -- Jussi Jokinen, Joni Pitkanen and Tuomo Ruutu. All are expected to play for Finland 's Olympic team in the upcoming Vancouver Winter Games.
Rutherford said travel expenses are borne by the league. He said a decision should come "in the fairly near future" -- last year's announcement was made in February.
Other teams being considered appear to be Phoenix, San Jose, Columbus, Boston and Minnesota, and it's possible the NHL could send six teams to the games.
Compuware had the title sponsorship of the 2009 NHL Premiere games in Stockholm and Helsinki.
A Raleigh native, Chip has worked at the N&O since 1979 and is the Canes beat writer. He can be reached at
Comments
RDU-Helsinki airfare is only
Wed, 12/16/2009 - 17:55 — ctillRDU-Helsinki airfare is only about $1000 round-trip in coach, this far ahead.
I am glad
Wed, 12/16/2009 - 17:36 — esteban1949That chip cleared that up, as I understood from reading on THN site it was already a done deal and the Canes were going to be going...Who knows and with the economy as it is not " every" average fan could afford to go...see situation normal. Enjoy tonights game everyone
The Canes are Good,My Grandkids are Better, and Life is Great !!
Go Canes !!
TV
Wed, 12/16/2009 - 16:39 — gercohenbased on past experience the other four games will be televised in US prime time, one on NBC and one on Versus, our pair of games will be scheduled only on an obscure Southeast Asian channel but be prempted at the last minute by a Tiger Wood's special "Tiger, 10 months after the fall", in Sanscrit dubbed in Farsi
Europe for Hurricanes Would be Awesome
Wed, 12/16/2009 - 16:06 — abramsdougIt would be great for the players, the team, the fans, and the organization if the Europe trip happens. That's very exciting.
So...
Wed, 12/16/2009 - 14:33 — FuquayCaniacWhat would that mean, next to no home games in October? The Canes are away when the State Fair is in town.
FYI-- there's been games
Wed, 12/16/2009 - 14:49 — PowderedToastManFYI-- there's been games scheduled during the state fair before .
Records
Wed, 12/16/2009 - 13:22 — CharlotteCaniacLook at the records of the teams who participated in overseas play this year and tell me if this is a good idea or not.
OK
Wed, 12/16/2009 - 13:56 — Biff_BeersIf the season ended today, the Red Wings and Blackhawks would be in the playoffs, the Panthers would miss the playoffs on a tiebreaker, and the Blues, well, they are not nearly as bad as the Canes.
I'm all in favor of the 2010 preseason being very, very different than the 2009 preseason for the Canes. Road Trip!
ZING!
Wed, 12/16/2009 - 14:17 — CharlotteCaniacZING!