hockeyboy14

DALLAS (CP) - The Stars signed Marty Turco to a $22.8 million, four-year contract extension Thursday, keeping the star goaltender in Dallas through the 2009-10 season.

The Stars scheduled a news conference for Thursday evening to formally announce the extension.

Turco, who will suit up for Canada at the Winter Olympics in Turin next February, was set to become an unrestricted free agent at the end of the season.

''My past few weeks have been absolutely amazing after being named to the Canadian Olympic team and now getting signed to this extension,'' Turco said in a statement. ''I couldn't be happier and am very motivated to fulfil the expectations that come with a contract like this.

''I want to thank the Dallas organization for the opportunity they have given me to succeed and I look forward to continuing my play with the Dallas Stars.''





Turco, 30, is 20-11-2 with a 2.44 goals-against average in 33 games for the Stars this season. He ranks second in the league in wins and third in shutouts (3). He'll earn an average of $5.7 million over the length of his new deal, nearly double the $3.16 million US he'll make this season.

''Marty is a very important part of our team and has proven himself to be one of the best goaltenders in the NHL,'' said Stars general manager Doug Armstrong. ''We believe in Marty and his ability to lead this hockey club to the ultimate goal of competing for the Stanley Cup.''

Dallas's fifth-round selection (124th overall) in 1994, Turco has compiled a 116-59-26 career record with a 1.99 goals-against average - the lowest among active netminders and the fourth-best in NHL history. His best season came in 2002-03, when he finished second in Vezina Trophy voting after posting a 1.72 goals-against average, the lowest since the Second World War.


http://www.tsn.ca/nhl/news_story/?ID=149548&hubname=nhl

Thought to share this.

Turco is one hell of a goalie. I wish the Stars didn't sign him because I wanted him on my team.

__________________