Skate expectations: Canes fans show out for celebration as team reaches Stanley Cup Final

The Carolina Hurricanes are once again chasing a cup, and outside Lenovo Center after the game, their most dedicated supporters were celebrating the teams first appearance in a Stanley Cup Final in 20 years.

Fans came pouring out of the arena shortly after defeating the Montreal Canadiens in Game 5 of the Eastern Conference Final chanting "We want the cup."

Even fans who weren't able to get into the game were still showing up to the arena to celebrate.

"I'm having the time of my life," said one fan who couldn't make it to the game, but showed up to Lenovo Center to celebrate.

It’s no secret that the Triangle’s deepest roots lie in college sports, especially for the fan experience. That’s carried over to the state’s professional teams, including the Carolina Hurricanes. Through their parking lot camaraderie, Canes fans have introduced southern flair to a sport with its longest ties held elsewhere.

Those 8 p.m. start times make for ideal hangout times after work. The Canes own website even says "tailgating is permitted and encouraged" as lots open three hours before puck drop. The ice still brings a chill, but it's in your drink and consumed within the warmth of a late spring evening.

Although hockey is largely played during the winter months, the playoffs can last into June and this year’s above-average warmth for the spring means some fans will make just as many memories grillin’ and chillin’.

If there were a Stanley Cup for snack creativity, Johnston County residents Virginia and Jaye Sisson would be contenders. Across the street from the state fairgrounds, two fair-inspired offerings line the grates of the couple's portable grill - bacon-wrapped Oreos and bacon-wrapped pickles. Jaye said Hurricanes defenseman Brent Burns put it on their radar.

“We went to one of the Canes Corners and Brent Burns said he didn’t go to the fair, but he liked making bacon-wrapped Oreos,” Jaye said. “We looked it up and have been making them ever since.”

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The grandeur has been everywhere during the playoffs, feeding off sweeps for the Canes in the first and second rounds.

You could hear the sounds of kids whacking a street hockey puck back and forth. Nearby two women holding signs asking for drivers to "honk if you love playoff hockey," are greeted by a truck’s honk mimicking the Lenovo Center goal horn.

A couple played cornhole in front of the arena and throughout the parking areas.

The tailgaters are responsive to opposing sweaters. Energy and murmurs flow through the folding chairs. One man is seen with a Hawaiian shirt with coach Rod Brind’Amour’s face on it.

The Hurricanes have been in the mix for a championship since 2019, when they broke a 10-year absence from the playoffs. The grail of all things stick-and-puck has eluded them since 2006. A return to those heights would be monumental for the team, Triangle and North Carolina, but until then, a fan identity rooted in hospitality and fellowship is still worth celebrating.