(Courtesy of the Memphis RiverKings) SOUTHAVEN, MS ---- Former Memphis RiverKings forward Keith Aucoin made his National Hockey League debut this past Monday night for the Carolina Hurricanes and picked up an assist in his first NHL game. Aucoin, a Chelmsford. MA native, assisted on Erik Coles goal at 17:28 of the third in the Hurricanes 7-3 win over Montreal.
Aucoin started the 2004-2005 season with the RiverKings and had four goals and five assists in five games played. He was recalled and signed by Providence in late October of 2005 and played the rest of the season with the Bruins. Prior to this season, the fifth year pro signed a one year contract with Carolina and was assigned to their AHL affiliate Lowell. He was leading the Lock Monsters in goals (17), assists (32) and points (49) at the time of his call-up.
The Hurricanes are currently the top team in the NHL with a 34-11-4 record and 72 points. The team is at Atlanta to play the Thrashers tonight (Thursday) and then will host the Thrashers on Saturday night.
The 2005-2006 RiverKings head off on a seven game road trip starting tomorrow night in Tulsa at 7:35.