Carolina Hurricanes: The Puck Drops Here
Power plays, rivalries, speed, slap shots, penalties shoot outs -- stir it all up and you’ve got an adrenaline pumped night on the ice for the NHL’s Carolina Hurricanes. And when you watch the Carolina Hurricanes take the ice at the RBC Center for their home games, you know you are in the eye of the storm and in the throes of big league excitement in the Triangle.
1997 marked the first season for the Carolina Hurricanes, previously known as the Hartford Whalers, and with the move south followed a decade that made the hockey world take notice. In less than ten years, the Carolina Hurricanes managed to secure three Southeast Division Championships, two Eastern Conference Championships and in 2006 they brought home the Stanley Cup.
New to Raleigh and have yet to make it to a game? Here are a few things to keep in mind: For starters, home ice is Caniac Country and the swell of dedicated fans cloaked in red and black is set on making sure the opposing teams know it. The Caniacs have developed their own reputation of being some of the most impassioned fans in the league, and the players know and appreciate it. So, if you’re feeling particularly enthusiastic, you can purchase your own jersey of choice, or any other form of Cane gear you may wish at the Eye fan shop inside the RBC. Then, get to your seat before the hurricane warning siren sounds, the arena glows red, and the Canes take the ice.
Interested in an up-close and personal view of the Canes? Head down to the glass between sections 123 and 130 before the start of the game and watch the Canes warm-up skate. This is a particularly fond vantage point for miniature Caniacs, so if you’re planning on taking kids, make note. And definitely keep an eye out for Stormy, the lovable ice hog mascot.
Now midway through their 14th season of 82 regular season games, conference play thus far is proving the Southeast to be the tightest division in the league which translates into more nail-biting action to be had. With elite players like center Eric Staal and goalie Cam Ward recently selected to play in the 2011 All-Star Game, and the breakout sensation Jeff Skinner, whom many are calling a perfect candidate for Rookie of the Year, the second half of the nine-month hockey season stretch should not disappoint. Look for more heart-stopping overtimes and unexpected game-changers as the Canes continue their push toward the playoffs in April. After all, they’re nicknamed the Cardiac Canes for a reason. Regular season ticket prices vary and can be purchased at the RBC box office or online.
HelloRaleigh Tip: Do you consider yourself a collector of sorts? Don’t miss the upcoming Bobblehead Nights on February 1 and March 22, 2011. Two more of four, 2010-2011, limited-edition Carolina Hurricane collectible bobbleheads will be given away to the first 10,000 fans in attendance. Brandon Sutter is the bobblehead on February 1 and Cam Ward is on March 22.
Posted on Jan 22, 2011 by Angela Risko
