From IceCats@...:

Wednesday, June 5, 2002


`CATS REMAIN IN NORTH DIVISION FOR 2002-2003

Worcester IceCats Regain Divisional Rivalry with Bruins


WORCESTER, MA – The American Hockey League (AHL) today confirmed a
new
Conference and Divisional alignment that has the Worcester IceCats
again
participating in the Eastern Conference's North Division. With two
new cities
joining the AHL ranks for the 2002-2003 campaign, the 'Cats were
structured into
a five-team division that includes the Lowell Lock Monsters,
Manchester
Monarchs, Portland Pirates and Providence Bruins.


The IceCats were originally welcomed into the AHL during the 1994-95
season and
participated in the Northern Division for two seasons. Worcester
then captured
the New England Division crown when the Division was established for
the 1996-97
season and again reigned supreme during the 2000-2001 season on their
way to
being crowned the AHL's Regular Season Champion. Last season,
Worcester finished
third in the North Division with 86 points, 10 points behind Division
winners,
Lowell. The new Divisional alignment re-establishes a highly
contested
Divisional rivalry with the Providence Bruins. Providence competed in
the East
Division last season.


The AHL's complete schedule will be released following the AHL Board
of
Governor's final approval in early August.


2002-2003 American Hockey League Alignment


EASTERN CONFERENCE

EAST: Albany, Binghamton, Bridgeport, Hartford, Springfield

NORTH: WORCESTER, Lowell, Manchester, Portland, Providence

CANADIAN: Hamilton, Manitoba, Saint John, St. John's


WESTERN CONFERENCE

WEST: Chicago, Houston, Milwaukee, San Antonio, Utah

CENTRAL: Cincinnati, Cleveland, Grand Rapids, Rochester, Syracuse

SOUTH: Hershey, Philadelphia, Norfolk, Wilkes-Barre/Scranton