Manitoba Moose

The Manitoba Moose have come up with what they believe is a solid backup plan.

Whether it's Cory Schneider back for a third season in the minors or Andrew Raycroft losing the battle for the No. 2 job with the Vancouver Canucks, the Moose feel pretty solid about who was going to be their starting goalie this fall.

However, the backup job was up for grabs -- at least up until yesterday -- thanks to a lack of depth in the Canucks' organization.

The position was shored up considerably yesterday as the Moose announced the signing of Daren Machesney and John Murray to AHL contracts.

Machesney, a fifth round pick (143rd overall) of the Washington Capitals in the 2005 NHL Entry Draft, spent the past three seasons with the Hershey Bears and posted solid numbers (44-25-4) , primarily in a back-up role.

He also helped Canada to a silver medal at the Spengler Cup last January.

Machesney, 22 became expendable in the Capitals organization thanks to the emergence of Simeon Varlamov and Calder Cup playoff MVP Michal Neuvirth.

However, he should provide valuable goaltending insurance and see spot duty with the Moose this season.

Murray is likely headed to the Victoria Salmon Kings of the ECHL after spending last season with the Ontario Reign.

Murray, 22, is 16-13-4 with a 3.52 goals against average and .925 save percentage in 35 ECHL games and appeared in one AHL game with the Syracuse Crunch last season.

Speaking of goaltenders, former Moose goalie Curtis Sanford signed a one-year, two-way contract with the Montreal Canadiens yesterday.

He is likely headed to the Hamilton Bulldogs of the AHL, but could be in the mix with the big club should something happen to Carey Price or Jaroslav Halak.

Sanford was 7-3-3 with a 1.73 goals against average in 16 games with the Moose last season.

The Moose also announced the signing of right-winger Tommy Maxwell to an AHL pact.

Maxwell, 23, had a goal, five points and 72 penalty minutes in 36 games with the Moose after he was acquired from the Bears.