Munich, Germany - The Nürnberg Ice Tigers thought they had an adequate replacement for Freddie Chabot when they introduced Norm Maracle as their new starting goaltender a couple of weeks ago. But Maracle, who backstopped the Orlando Solar Bears to the 2001 Turner Cup championship, will not play in the Deutsche Eishockey Liga (DEL) this season. He voided his contract for personal reasons earlier this week. Nuremberg has already found a new number one: Czech Adam Svoboda.

Maracle, 14-33-8 in 66 NHL career starts, asked to be released from his contract because his mother is battling with cancer. The Belleville, Ontario native wants to be close to his familiy after spending last season far away from home with Magnitogorsk Metallurg of the Russian Elite League.

The Ice Tigers today announced that 26-year-old Czech Adam Svoboda will be their new number one between the pipes. A five-year starter for HC Pardubice, Svoboda posted the lowest goals-against average (1.93) in the Czech Extra Liga in 2003-04. In 1996, he was named best goaltender of the Under-18 World Junior Championships.

"This was not an emergency decision", said Otto Sykora, Nuremberg's director of player personnel. "We've been scouting Adam for a long time. He's even better than Maracle. It takes a lot of talent to become a regular starter in the Czech league. Adam is very skilled and is known for his good positioning and a quick glove hand."