Carolina Hurricanes fire coach Laviolette

RALEIGH, N.C., Dec. 3 (UPI) -- Carolina Hurricanes general manager Jim Rutherford announced Wednesday coach Peter Laviolette has been replaced by former coach Paul Maurice.

Rutherford said at an RBC Center news conference that Maurice, who was fired during the 2003-04 season, will return to lead the NHL team, a news release from the team said.

Rutherford named Ron Francis associate coach and assured Hurricanes fans that the remainder of the team's coaching staff would retain their positions.

"This is a real strong addition with Paul and Ronnie leading our coaching staff," Rutherford said. "As we go into a very tough group of games in December, my hope is that the coaches make minor adjustments to the system and the players regain their confidence."

"We would like to thank Peter for his years of service to the Hurricanes organization, and we wish him and his family the best moving forward."

Maurice earned the designation of the winningest coach in the team's history, amassing a 268 wins during his more than eight seasons with the NHL franchise.

Among his more notable accomplishments was leading the Hurricanes to a 2002 Eastern Conference title.