Wally Tatomir, one of the Carolina Hurricanes' most recognizable figures and a longtime equipment manager, is retiring.

Tatomir spent 17 seasons with the franchise, and more than 30 years in the hockey equipment business. He became a full-time equipment manager in 1994, when the team was the Hartford Whalers, and was a part of three Southeast Division winners, two Eastern Conference championship teams and the Stanley Cup champions in 2006 with the Canes.

Tatomir also served as equipment manager for the Eastern Conference in the 2004 NHL All-Star Game in Minnesota, and for "Team Staal" at the 2011 All-Star Game in Raleigh.

Tatomir, considered an innovator in his field, holds four patents on equipment, including two pieces that help precisely sharpen skates. He also helped develop and patent a skate blade finishing tool that removes skate burrs on blade edges.

Assistant equipment manager Jorge Alves has been promoted to replace Tatomir on the equipment staff. Alves, 33, has served as assistant equipment manager the past seven seasons.

In other team news Thursday, Hurricanes owner Peter Karmanos Jr. will be the recipient of the 2012 Distinguished Achievement Award from USA Hockey. Karmanos will be given the award during USA Hockey's 75th anniversary gala on Friday in Colorado Springs, Colo.

The USA Hockey award is presented annually to a U.S. citizen who has made hockey their profession and has made outstanding contributions, on or off the ice, to the sport in America. ...

The Canes on Thursday signed goaltender John Muse to a one-year contract that will pay for the former Boston College star $525,000 on the NHL level or $50,000 in the minor leagues, plus a signing bonus of $10,000.

Muse, 23, played his first full professional season in 2011-12, splitting the year between the Charlotte Checkers of the American Hockey League and Florida of the ECHL. He was named MVP of the ECHL's Kelly Cup playoffs as the Everblades won the championship.