Chad LaRose

Chad LaRose (born March 27, 1982 in Fraser, Michigan, United States) is a professional ice hockey right wing who currently plays for the Carolina Hurricanes of the National Hockey League. He is referred to by some local fans as "The Chuck Norris of Hockey".

History
The Hurricanes signed the OHL scoring machine to a three-year entry level contract on August 6th, 2003. A product of the USHL's Sioux Falls Stampede, LaRose later led the OHL Plymouth Whalers in scoring in 2002–03 with 117 points in 67 games. LaRose was never drafted, but his breakout overage season caught the attention of NHL scouts. He was an invitee to the Detroit Red Wings training camp in 2001 and 2002. LaRose started the 2003–04 season with the ECHL Florida Everblades, and was shuttling back and forth between the there and Lowell for most of the second half of the year.

Playing career
Chad LaRose was signed by the Carolina Hurricanes as a free agent in 2003. After winning his first Stanley Cup, Chad signed a 2 year contract to stay a Carolina Hurricane. As a pure goal scorer in Junior hockey, Chad adapted to an aggressive forechecker in the NHL. In 05–06 Chad scored 1 goal and 12 assists in only 49 games. Often seen on the penalty kill. Chad was the first player to play at every level in the Compuware hockey organization, and win the Stanley Cup.

On July 2, 2009, the Hurricanes signed LaRose to a two-year contract worth $3.4 million ($1.5 million in 2009-10 and $1.9 million in 2010-11).

Awards

 * 2002–03: Leo Lalonde Memorial Trophy (Overage Player of the Year) (OHL)
 * 2002–03: Plus/Minus Award (OHL)
 * 2006 Stanley Cup champion (Carolina Hurricanes) (NHL)

Records

 * Plymouth Whalers record for most goals in regular season (61 in 2002–03)