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PRESS ROOM Press Release/ Announcements About Sports Media Challenge Contact Information: Kathleen Hessert, CSP President E-mail: khessert@preptowin.com Tel: 704.365.5027 MAILING ADDRESS: Sports Media Challenge 2700 Coltsgate Road Suite 203 Charlotte, NC 28211

News Release June 10, 2002 Carolina Hurricanes A bright future in North Carolina After 18 NHL seasons in Hartford Connecticut, the Carolina Hurricanes moved to Raleigh, North Carolina in 1997. With sellout crowds of 18,730 and the most enthusiastic fans in the league, the Hurricanes made it to their first Stanley Cup final this year. In the June 6th issue of Bloomberg News, sports experts predicted, unlike the waning enthusiasm the Carolina Panthers and the Charlotte Hornets experienced, the positive image will endure for the Hurricanes. Sports experts agree the Hurricane's 2002 season will help them maintain their popularity for years to come. This was the same prediction made about the Panthers and the Hornets, but unlike these teams, the Hurricanes have successfully established themselves as a reputable high-profile team in North Carolina. Kathleen Hessert, president of Sports Media Challenge, told Bloomberg News, "It all comes down to performance, image and exposure. The Hurricanes have certainly performed well and they've worked hard to cultivate a good image. Now the key will be keeping exposure at a high level." CONTACT: Sports Media Challenge www.sports.mediachallenge.com