Penguins hire new GM

The Pittsburgh Penguins signed Ray Shero to a five-year contract Thursday as their newgeneral manager.

Shero, 43,spent eight seasons as assistant GM of the Nashville Predators, and seven years with the Ottawa Senators.

He was hired after Penguins president Ken Sawyer conducted a one-man search to fill the position.

The son of former Philadelphia Flyers coach Fred Sherohad alsodrawn interest from the Boston Bruins, whohaveyetto fill their vacant GM post.

"We are delighted to have Ray join the Penguins family and are confident that under his direction we will build a championship team," Sawyer said Thursday. "Ray is a young, enthusiastic, innovative guy who already has 14 years of experience in NHL management.

"He grew up in hockey, he is steeped in hockey tradition, but he also is a progressive thinker who has done a tremendous job in helping to build first-class organizations in Ottawa and Nashville.

"He has earned great respect in the hockey world and comes extremely well-recommended."

Shero appeared ready to take the Bruins' job earlier this week, but talks apparently broke down.

He replaces Hall of Famer Craig Patrick, whose contract was not renewed in April after more than 16 years on the job.

The Penguins, who won two Stanley Cup titles under Patrick, are coming off four consecutive last-place finishes in their division.

Despite Pittsburgh's recent losing season, the future looks promising. Theteam hasa crop of exciting young players, including NHL rookie of the year nominee Sidney Crosby, goaltender Marc-Andre Fleury and Russian star Evgeni Malkin, the team's top pick in the 2004 draft.

"My family and I are very excited to come to a great hockey town like Pittsburgh and become a part of the Penguins organization," Shero said. "Everyone in the hockey world knows about the Penguins' young talent and the tremendous potential that we have here.

"I'm looking forward to working with the players, coaches and staff, and I can't wait to get started."