Helminen recalled by Hurricanes

alb06_200.jpgThe Albany River Rats announced today that center Dwight Helminen has been recalled by the Carolina Hurricanes, their National Hockey League affiliate.

Helminen, 25, was recalled to Carolina on an emergency recall after Hurricanes forward Jussi Jokinen recently returned to Finland following the death of his father. The Hancock, Mich., native has 30 points (15 goals, 15 assists) in 54 games for the River Rats this season; he is tied for third on the team in goals and ranks fifth in points.

This will be Helminen’s second NHL recall of the year; he made his NHL debut with Carolina on October 28th at Montreal and skated in eight games for the Hurricanes with three points (1 goal, 2 assists), while averaging 10:51 of ice time per game.

Helminen, who has seven points (4 goals, 3 assists) in Albany’s last eight games, is expected to be in the lineup tonight as the Hurricanes battle the Washington Capitals at Verizon Center at 7:00 pm.