RALEIGH, N.C. – Former UMass Lowell standout defenseman Ron Hainsey  has agreed to a new three-year contract with the National Hockey League's Carolina Hurricanes.  The deal will pay Hainsey $3 million for the 2014-15 and 2015-16 seasons and $2.5 million in 2016-17 according to Canes' Executive Vice President and General Manager Ron Francis.

The 33-year old Hainsey was one of two Hurricanes to play in all 82 games during the 2013-14 season, his first with the team. Hainsey, who wore the River Hawks' sweater for two seasons, totaled four goals and 11 assists (15 points) for Carolina, his best scoring totals since the 2010-11 season. He ranked second among Hurricanes in blocked shots (124) and third on the team in ice time per game (21:26) last season, and registered an even or better plus/minus rating in 14 consecutive games from Oct. 28-Nov. 27.

A Bolton, Conn. native, Hainsey spent only two years at UMass Lowell, from 1999-2001, but left his mark on the program. He was named to the Hockey East All-Rookie team as a freshman in 2000, and a Hockey East First Team All-Star in 2001. Hainsey was also named an All-American in 2001.  He scored 13 goals and added 34 assists for 47 points in 63 games as a River Hawk.

Carolina is Hainsey's fifth NHL team. The Montreal Canadiens chose Hainsey with the 13th pick of the first round of the 2000 NHL Entry Draft.  He remained at UMass Lowell for his sophomore season, but signed with the Canadiens after his second season in Lowell.

Hainsey has totaled 207 points (38g, 169a) and 316 penalty minutes in 673 career NHL games with Montreal, Columbus, Atlanta, Winnipeg and Carolina. He notched his 200th career point with an assist on Riley Nash's goal against Nashville on Dec. 2, 2013.

A product of the United States National Team Development Program, Hainsey has represented the United States at four major international tournaments: the 2009 IIHF World Championship, 2000 and 2001 World Junior Championships and 1999 U-18 World Junior Championship.