Stanley Cup champion Hurricanes praised as unifying force by NC lawmakers during legislative visit

RALEIGH — North Carolina lawmakers praised the Stanley Cup champion Carolina Hurricanes for unifying the region and state during their pursuit of the National Hockey League title.

Coach Rod Brind’Amour, captain Jordan Staal and assistant captain Jordan Martinook visited the North Carolina House and Senate on Tuesday afternoon. 

And, of course, they brought along the Cup.

“The ability of sport to bring people together, the fact that folks that have completely different outlooks on life, their life situation is so different from others, to unify behind something like a team that really is showing excellence and, in many respects, off the ice,” Senate leader Phil Berger said.

Since the victory, the Canes and Cup have been spotted at a Vegas nightclub, a Raleigh bar, a golf course, a Bible study and, of course, at a massive parade and celebration through the streets of downtown Raleigh. On Saturday, roughly 180,000 Caniacs packed into downtown Raleigh for a grand parade and celebration.

When Berger noted that the Cup “does look a little cockeyed,” Martinook smiled and gave a thumbs up.

Brind’Amour, in a short speech on the House floor, said he couldn’t help the two chambers reach a long overdue budget agreement. In fact, he said, he wasn’t even sure what the sides were trying to “push across.” But he said the Hurricanes can bring people together.

“What I witnessed was a lot of people coming together and supporting us,” said Brind’Amour, who has been a part of the franchise for more than a quarter century as a player, assistant coach and head coach. “Maybe people that wouldn’t normally talk to each other – who were [NC] State fans and [North] Carolina fans and Duke fans and whoever else fans — coming together and supporting our team and were very, very happy to see us win because we’re their team, and that’s something that I think we, these guys right here, have done.”

Both chambers passed resolutions honoring the Hurricanes, outlining their strong postseason play and championship. Staffers and families packed the galleries and other parts of the legislative building to catch a glimpse of the players and the Cup. Staal carried it into the House and Senate. He hoisted it skyward and kissed it a few times before leaving the House.

“We celebrate something truly special – not just a hockey championship, but a moment that has united an entire state,” said Rep. Erin Pare, R-Wake. “For many of us, this victory is about much more than sports. It’s about pride. It’s about perseverance. It’s about proving once again that North Carolina belongs on the biggest stages in the nation. For decades, some questioned whether hockey could thrive in the South. The Carolina Hurricanes answered that question with hard work, passionate fans and a culture of excellence. This championship is a testament to the players, coaches, staff and thousands of loyal fans who never stopped believing. The Hurricanes have built a legacy that will inspire generations.”

Sen. Ralph Hise, who represents part of western North Carolina, thanked the organization for its commitment to help rebuild parts of the state devastated by Hurricane Helene. 

“Teams don’t win just by having the best players,” said Rep. Robert Reives, D-Chatham. “Teams win because they have great organizations, they have great coaches, they have great owners, they have great staff. And the Hurricanes have been as committed to this state as any team we’ve had in any sport.”

The Hurricanes won the Cup for the first time in 20 years earlier this month, defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games. Carolina went 16-3 in the postseason this year, the second-best playoff record since the National Hockey League went to its current playoff format in 1987. 

Fans sold out Lenovo Center, the team’s state-owned arena, for watch parties for away games and even stood outside to watch the games – home and away — on screens outside the venue.

House Speaker Destin Hall, R-Caldwell, couldn’t resist one tiny jab at the Senate — comparing them to the Golden Knights. The Republican-controlled chambers are negotiating a budget deal amid a months-long standoff.

Said Hall ahead of the visit to the Senate: “Just imagine Coach if you were speaking to the Knights at Game 6 ahead of time, that’s what you would say to them.”