Matt Kennedy returning to juniors

It is official. Matt Kennedy is returning to the Ontario Hockey League for a fifth season with the Guelph Storm. The Rats will have to wait another year for his services...although he could make an appearance in Albany at the end of this season if his team finishes early.

UPDATE - Guelph Mercury reports: "He said Carolina offered him a two way contract (different pay scale for playing in the NHL and the American Hockey League) “but I felt it was better for me to come back to Guelph. At the end of the day I felt this is where I wanted to play.”

Kennedy Taking Nothing For Granted

Matt Kennedy tells Tracking the Storm he is pushing hard to earn a contract this year, but taking nothing for granted.

Kennedy on Track to Earn Contract

When 20-year-old Ontario Hockey League prospect Matt Kennedy was drafted by the Canes this year, many anticipated the star forward from the Guelph Storm to kick off his pro career in 2009-10 with the Albany River Rats. Alas, it was later announced that Kennedy was planning to return to the Storm for a fifth season.

But with a stellar performance at the Traverse City tournament, Kennedy earned an invite to the Hurricanes' training camp. So now the question hangs in air: will the Canes offer Kennedy a deal and bring him to Albany?

Prior to the prospects tournament, Hurricanes General Manager Jim Rutherford anticipated inviting seven or eight of the young players to camp. After watching the team play in Traverse City, his opinion changed.

"Based on my talks with our people here, I think that number may get to 10," Rutherford told Paul Branecky of Tracking the Storm.

Well, the number hit nine. The most visible addition: Matt Kennedy.

“At this point, he looks like a good pick for us, and he’s certainly put himself in a position to get a contract now,” said Rutherford after watching the talented forward net three goals in four games at the tournament.

Kennedy, according to Branecky, "should play in Albany next season once he signs a contract with Carolina."

Prospects Topple Red Wings, Occupy First Place

Mike Murphy has been described as the "talk of the tournament" for his outstanding play in net
(Photo from NHL.com)

The Carolina prospects defeated the young Red Wings tonight at the tournament in Traverse City, taking over first place in the "Eastern Conference." The 5-3 comeback win came in exciting fashion.

The first period was scoreless (thanks to Mike Murphy) with no penalties, but things exploded in the second.

Detroit took a 1-0 lead 4:40 into the period. Shortly after, Jamie McBain was penalized for his second hooking penalty of the tournament, allowing the Wings to go up by two on the power play.

Although the Red Wings dominated in the shot column 25 to 9 at the halfway point, Carolina refused to quit. Matthew Pistilli linked up with Brandon Sutter to bring the Canes within one at the 10:56 mark of the second period.

Minutes later, with a power play opportunity of their own, the Hurricanes tied the game on a goal by Matt Kennedy, his second of the tournament, assisted by Stefan Chaput and Beau Schmitz.

Detroit scored a demoralizing goal with one second remaining in the period, reestablishing the lead going into the third. But again, the Canes bounced back. About a minute and a half into the third period Harrison Reed knotted the game at 3-3 on a tally assisted by Stefan Chaput.

Moments later, a roughing penalty by the Red Wings brought out the Carolina power play unit for the second time. The Canes quickly capitalized, as Zach Boychuk, assisted by Drayson Bowman and Jamie McBain, seized the lead at 4-3.

At the eight minute mark, Jamie McBain was sent back to the box on an interference call, but the penalty kill came through.

Carolina stayed strong through the third period and Chris Terry sealed the deal with an unassisted goal with 1:22 left.

Goaltender Mike Murphy registered his second win of the tournament, stopping 33 of 36 shots.

The win places Carolina in first place in the "Eastern Conference," which consists of the New York Rangers, Detroit Red Wings and Atlanta Thrashers.

The team has one conference game remaining against Atlanta on Wednesday at 3:30 p.m. A win would guarantee the Canes a spot in the championship game.

Updates: The Hurricanes' website has a rundown of the game. Hockey's Future also has a recap, as well as some high praise for netminder Mike Murphy, described as "the best player of the tournament." Brandon Sutter adds his two cents.

Canes' Prospects Beat Rangers 5-3

Carolina celebrates a goal during a 5-3 win over the Rangers
(Photo by Hockey's Future)

The NHL prospects tournament kicked off today in Traverse City, Michigan. Brandon Sutter, Zach Boychuk, Drayson Bowman, Mike Murphy and several other River Rats are showcasing their skills in hopes of earning an invite to the Hurricanes' training camp.

About half of the prospects team is on track to play with the River Rats next season. Albany coaches Jeff Daniels and Geordie Kinnear are directing the young squad. The full roster is available here.

The team squared off today at 3 p.m. against prospects from the New York Rangers.

The Canes were led to a 5-3 victory on goals by Drayson Boyman (Chris Terry, Nick Dodge), Matt Kennedy (unassisted), Zach Boychuk (Harrison Reed), Elgin Reid (Jamie McBain), and an empty netter by Brandon Sutter (unassisted).

Carolina gave up a two goal lead in the third period, but Jamie McBain set up Elgin Reid for the game winner with just 2:25 remaining on the clock.

Goaltender Mike Murphy registered the win, stopping 32 of 35 shots.

Both teams were scoreless on the power play. The Canes failed to capitalize on five chances. The Rangers did not convert on their only opportunity.

The boxscore is available here.

The next game is scheduled for tomorrow night at 6:30 p.m. against the young Detroit Red Wings.

Update: Hockey's Future has a quick rundown of the game. The writer says the Canes "looked like a top team in this tournament from the opening face off." There is also a short video from the morning skate featuring an interview with coach Daniels.

Canes' prospects intriguing

"At this moment, the future of the franchise is laid out in view like the rings of a tree." --Luke DeCock, News & Observer

Recent Draft Pick Kennedy Headed for the Hudson UPDATED

Matt Kennedy
(Photo by Michael Hollenbeck)

The Carolina Hurricanes' 2009 fifth round draft pick Matt Kennedy is headed for Albany and the Rats certainly won't complain about getting this 20-year-old feisty power forward.

Kennedy, selected 131st overall, was named the 2008-09 MVP of the OHL's Guelph Storm, scoring 73 points (33 G, 40 A) in 67 games as the team's captain. In addition to the MVP award, he earned the team's Top Scorer Award, the Playmaker Trophy, the Fan Club Award and the Leadership Award. If you look up the 6-foot-3, 203-pound, Richmond Hill, Ontario, native on YouTube, you'll discover he isn't afraid to drop the gloves either.

Kennedy played his first four professional games and scored his first professional goal with the Syracuse Crunch late last year after finishing his season with the Storm. "He was described as a tough, gritty grinder," the Canes Now blog reports.

Now Canes' property, Kennedy is likely to officially kick off his professional career in Albany, bringing offensive talent and leadership qualities to the Rats' club.

UPDATE: Turns out the River Rats will have to wait another year before getting Kennedy's services. He has decided to return to juniors for one more year with Guelph. If the Storm's season ends before the Rats, there is a chance he'll play in Albany towards the end of the year.