Hurricanes hire ex-agent Krepelka as VP of hockey operations

RALEIGH, N.C. -- The Carolina Hurricanes have hired former sports agent Paul Krepelka as a vice president of hockey operations.

Owner Tom Dundon announced Krepelka's hiring Thursday, saying his responsibilities will include negotiating player contracts.

Krepelka is a former minor league player and lawyer who spent 20 years as an agent. Among his clients were current Carolina player Jordan Staal and his older brother, ex-Hurricanes captain Eric Staal.

Krepelka had been the director of player development for the ECHL's Norfolk Admirals.