Carolina Hurricanes Re-Sign Ron Francis
On Tuesday morning, Carolina Hurricanes owner and Chief Executive Officer Peter Karmanos Jr. announced that General Manager Ron Francis had signed an agreement locking him in through the 2018-2019 National Hockey League season. The 53 year old will be entering his 11th season in a management position, this upcoming one being his third as general manager of the club. In April of 2014, Francis was appointed as the 8th GM in the franchise’s history, taking over for Jim Rutherford. Francis, a Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario native had previously served as the Director of Player Development, Assistant General Manager, Associate Head Coach, and Director of Hockey Operations for the Hurricanes.
Statement:
“Ron has rebuilt our organization the right way, stocking our team and system with young players who will help this franchise compete for the Stanley Cup year in and year out,” Karmanos said in a press release. “I’m thrilled that he will continue to see the job through. The future is very bright for the Hurricanes in Carolina.” (NHL.com)
Francis’ Career:
Before he entered work in the front office, Francis played in the NHL for 23 seasons, 16 of which were spent with the Hartford Whalers/Hurricanes franchise. He would score 549 goals and would total 1, 798 points in his career. In 2007, he was inducted into the Hockey Hall of Fame for his stellar career, both as a player and for his management roles. He appeared in four NHL All-Star games and was the winner of the Lady Byng Trophy (Sportsmanship and gentlemanly like conduct) in 1995, 1998, and 2002. He also was the winner of the Frank J. Selke Trophy (Best defensive forward) in 1995, and the King Clancy Memorial Trophy (Leadership, humanitarianism, and community work) in 2002. He ranks 5th all-time in scoring in the NHL as well.
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