Core Cane at Cane's: Andrei Svechnikov feeds Caniacs' parade excitement at popular restaurant

What would a Russian hockey player know about cooking and serving chicken fingers?

Well, just days after the peak of his athletic career, Carolina Hurricanes winger Andrei Svechnikov gave it a shot to keep the momentum going during a memorable year.

Svechnikov clocked in on Tuesday at the Raising Cane's Raleigh location just two days after he helped the Carolina Hurricanes clinch the Stanley Cup in Las Vegas.

His late afternoon shift gave ample time to rest after a big night celebrating at Teets on Glenwood Avenue, where the Stanley Cup made an appearance.

A line of eager fans outside the building and down the block had formed well in advance of Svechnikov showing up.

Tyler Benthe joined the crowd, describing what it's like to watch the Canes get the cup.

"I don't even know how to describe it. This is a huge moment for the state. For the Triangle," he said

Raising Cane's opened a restaurant on Hillsborough Street, across from North Carolina State University, in January.

Svechnikov met with the media, worked with the restaurant's social media team, prepared food in the kitchen and served customers.

WRAL News asked Svechnikov what he thinks is the best part of so many people showing up for the team.

"To be honest, no surprise we have the best fans in the world. Big passion. They love hockey here," he said.

Svechnikov scored two goals in Game 5 of the Stanley Cup Final to give the Hurricanes a 3-2 series lead. He's been part of a dependable core for the Canes since he was drafted in 2018, but it's yet to be seen how he handles the behind-the-counter rush.