Former Centennial goaltender heading to Spengler Cup

Alex Auld will get his second chance to play for his country overseas. Photo courtesy the Manitoba Moose.

Former Centennial goaltender Alex Auld, will join Team Canada for the Spengler Cup in Davos, Switzerland beginning December 26th, 2004.

Auld is currently playing for the Vancouver Canucks minor league affiliate, the Manitoba Moose of the AHL.

The 23 year old Thunder Bay native has appeared in 15 games this season for the Moose, compiling a record of 9-4-1 with a goals against average of 2.49 and a save percentage of .915.

In 113 career games with the Moose, Auld is 53-48-8 with a goals a career AHL against average of 2.74 and a career AHL save percentage of .907.

In 38 NHL games with the Vancouver Canucks, Auld is 16-19-3 with a goals against average of 2.62 and a save percentage of .908.

The former Centennial netminder was originally the second choice of the Florida Panthers’ second choice, 40th overall, in the 1999 NHL Entry Draft. Auld also won a bronze medal with Team Canada at the 2000 World Junior Championships in Moscow, Russia.

The Canadian team is the two time defending Spengler Cup champions. However, the team which is made up of Canadians playing in Europe and minor pro players should have their hands full during this years event.

The Canadian club's four other European opponents have had their rosters beefed up by NHL players. The Swiss team, Davos, sports a roster including Canadian stars Rick Nash and Joe Thornton.