North Carolina Embraces Their Hurricanes!

 

North Carolina Embraces Their Hurricanes!

By: Chris Russell Jr.

In a state that is known for NASCAR and College Basketball, North Carolina is slowly starting to accept their Carolina Hurricanes. As the Hurricanes inch closer to the franchises first Stanley Cup Championship the state of North Carolina couldn’t be more excited!

The Carolina fans have dubbed themselves "Caniacs" during this playoff run. And the fans have responded loudly. This past season the Canes’ have had a 21% increase in attendance at the RBC Center. These die hard Hurricane fans have waited since 1997 to see the Stanley Cup come down south, ever since the NHL moved the Hartford Whalers to North Carolina. The Hurricanes had a shot back in 2002 to win the cup but feel just short against the Detroit Red Wings in five games. Just that small taste of playoff hockey has had Hurricane fans going nuts to get the cup back to North Carolina. If the Hurricanes do end up winning the Stanley Cup tonight they’ll be the second straight team to win the cup from a southern state.

In most southern states this is "Hurricane Season" but that term takes on a whole different face right now in North Carolina. Emily Russell a native North Carolinian and a huge Hurricane fan said, " It’s great what the Hurricanes are doing right now, let’s just hope this time they can finish the deal this time." I think Emily speaks for a lot of Hurricane fans with that statement. But Spartan Nation has two good reasons to watch tonight’s game. They will be able to watch two ex Spartan legends skate for what could be the last time this season. Pending if Carolina can close it out tonight. They are Spartan Nations own, Carolina Hurricane center Rob Brind’Amour, who could very well be tonight’s MVP of the playoffs, and Edmonton Oilers center Shawn Horcoff.

I look for the Hurricanes to close it out tonight in front of 18,000 screaming "Caniacs" and finally bring the Lord Stanley home to North Carolina. Edmonton has not played well on the road in the playoffs (6-5), and tonight and it will continue at the RBC Center. Carolina on the other hand has played exceptionally well at home (9-3) and should have all the momentum to close it out tonight. The only thing that could make this night better is if Spartan Nations own Rob Brind’Amour could capture the Stanley Cup as well as a MVP trophy! The puck will drop tonight at 8:00 P.M.