Penguins sign GM Ray Shero to extension
The Pittsburgh Penguins have announced that they have signed general manager Ray Shero to a five-year contract extension, which will see him at the helm until 2015-16.
The Penguins’ owners Mario Lemieux and Ron Burkle released a statement after the signing, saying. “This was an easy decision. Ray has done a tremendous job with our hockey operation, not only leading us
to the Stanley Cup in 2009, but also building a team that can continue to compete for the Cup year after year.”
Shero began his career in hockey playing at St. Lawrence University, captaining the hockey team. He was drafted by the Los Angeles Kings, but never played a game in the National Hockey League. Shero joined
the Ottawa Senators in 1993 as the club’s assistant GM. The Minnesota native left the team in 1998 to join the expansion Nashville Predators. He would stay with Nashville until he took the job in Pittsburgh in 2006. Shero has had a great deal of success with
the Penguins, including putting together a Stanley Cup winning squad in the 2008-09 season.
Shero has created a competitive Pittsburgh side where there previously was none. In 2005-06 the club finished last in the League with only 58 points. Conversely, the club finished fifth in the Eastern
Conference with 105 points the following season. Since then the Pens have remained a force in the competitive Atlantic Division.
Penguins CEO David Morehouse praised Shero for the culture he had been able to surround the team with, stating. “In addition to his work with our on-ice product, Ray has also created a family atmosphere
in our organization, where players know they will be treated very well. He is committed to having our players and coaches involved in the community and our charitable efforts and helping make the Penguins a positive asset to the Pittsburgh region.”
Last season the Pens collected 103 points and were bounced from the play-offsin the second round by the Montreal Canadiens.
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