CAROLINA JUNIOR FORWARDS

After a quick defeat at the hands of the junior Isles, the Canes look forward to this upcoming season.

"We really felt we had the tools to make a successful run last year," said coach Craig Hartsburg. "Of course, things didn't go as well as planned, but we learned a few things and the guys will likely respond this year. I think we have assembled a very committed group of players here and the true test will be this season."

Up front, the Canes return one of the best lines in hockey. Top center Jeff Carter, the tall pivot looks to put up the same type of totals as last year. Carter, 20, had been in the running for most assists in the league mid way through but camp time left the play maker without the games to help keep him in the running. Carter's primary assets are his abilities to find the open man and set up in the slot. The general recipients of his work are second year gunner Ryan Getzlaf, the powerful right winger, and speedy freshman Sergei Mozyakin. The trio has combined for many exciting moments for the Canes last season and the team looks to them to carry the offensive load through the year. Carter will likely not miss much time this go around and should challenge for the scoring title if he remains healthy. In Getzlaf, the Canes have acquired a true power forward with size, grit and a certain commitment to making the big play. The "trigger man" on the big line, Getz tends to be overshadowed by the flashier Carter and Mozyakin, but make no mistake, Ryan is just as capable.

"I tend to let those two make the plays and I just finish off whats left over," said Getzlaf. "I have had the opportunity to play with two great guys and I look forward to whatever challenges are on the horizon. I think with the supporting cast we have this year, we should have no excuses not to be dominant. We have pretty much everyone returning who got us to the finals and I think guys like Jeremy Colliton and Shea Weber who didn't have much exposure last year should love the taste of the junior pro team. Given every thing remains the same, I think we easily challenge for the title."

Dimunitive sniper Nigel Dawes has also shown his flair for the dramatic by becoming one of the Canes lesser known snipers. At 5'9, Dawes usually goes under the radar, but opposing netminders know who he is.

"He's small in stature, but he goes hard to the net," said Hartsburg. "I doubt many underestimate him now, he had a pretty good season, especially near the end when he hooked up with Michael Woodford and Brandon Reid. I'm not sure who we are going to roll him with this year yet. One thing I can guarantee in complete confidence is that Nigel will put the puck in the net several times. He has no bigger critic than himself and will do whatever it takes to get the puck over the line."

Dawes, who is often regarded as a pure goal scorer is also pretty capable of passing for goals as well. The shifty speedster was noted as being "the craftiest player" he had ever played with by captain Brandon Reid. An accolade that Dawes didn't simply pass off.

The Canes are looking forward to the develompent of secondary scorers such as Mike Richards, Anthony Stewart, Jeff Tambellini, Colin Fraser and Jeremy Colliton. The quintet of ex Team Canada junior stars has been on the radar of rhte organization since their acquisitions.

"We really feel they have what it takes to go to the next level," said Hartsburg. "I think that once I am done with these kids, the Carolina team will be sitting pretty for the future. I'm pretty proud of their development."