Did You Know? Carolina Hurricanes Edition

The Beginning

Defenseman Kevin Haller of the Hartford Whalers moves the puck during a game against the New Jersey Devils at the Continental Airlines Arena in East... — Photo by Al Bello/Allsport

The Carolina Hurricanes’ journey began in 1971 as the New England Whalers in the World Hockey Association. In 1979, they transitioned to the NHL as the Hartford Whalers. The biggest change for the franchise occurred in 1997 when they relocated to Raleigh, North Carolina, becoming the Carolina Hurricanes we know today.

Stanley Cup

The 2005-2006 season was unforgettable for the Carolina Hurricanes as they won the Stanley Cup. Under the leadership of captain Rod Brind’Amour, the team beat the Edmonton Oilers in a thrilling seven-game series. Brind’Amour, now the head coach, has impressively led the Hurricanes to the playoffs every season since 2018.

Colors

Frederik Andersen of the Carolina Hurricanes is introduced prior to their game against the Ottawa Senators at PNC Arena on October 11, 2023 in... — Photo by Jared C. Tilton/Getty Images

Upon moving from Hartford, the Hurricanes swapped their iconic green for new colors. Settling in the PNC Arena, home to NC State Wolfpack, the team adopted red, white, and black, aligning with the local spirit and giving the franchise a fresh identity.

Building The Team

Defenseman Nikos Tselios of the Carolina Hurricanes skates on the ice during the pre-season NHL game against the Philadelphia Flyers at the RBC... — Defenseman Nikos Tselios #48 (Photo by Dave Sandford/Getty Images/NHLI)

In 1997, the Hurricanes made their first NHL draft pick, selecting Greek player Nikos Tselios 22nd overall. He wrapped up that season with the AHL’s Lowell Lock Monsters. In 2003, Eric Staal was picked second overall and became the first player post-relocation to surpass 1,000 NHL games.

Mascot and Team Name

Mascot Stormy of the Carolina Hurricanes drives an ATV through a ring of fire during game two of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the New Jersey... — RALEIGH – APRIL 19: Mascot Stormy of the Carolina Hurricanes drives an ATV through a ring of fire during game two of the Stanley Cup playoffs against the New Jersey Devils at the ESA in Raleigh, North Carolina on April 19, 2002. The Hurricanes won 2-1 in overtime. (Photo by Kent Smith/Getty Images/NHLI)

Meet Stormy, the Carolina Hurricanes’ mascot, proudly sporting number 97 in honor of the year the team relocated. Representing Eastern North Carolina’s rich hog farming history, Stormy the Ice Hog was a playful nod to the area’s culture. The team initially considered the name “Ice Hogs” but ultimately settled on the Hurricanes.

Traveling

Seth Jarvis of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates his goal against the Seattle Kraken during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena on October 19,... — SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – OCTOBER 19: Seth Jarvis #24 of the Carolina Hurricanes celebrates his goal against the Seattle Kraken during the third period at Climate Pledge Arena on October 19, 2023 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)

The Hurricanes rank 10th in the NHL for the most travel. In the 2022-2023 season alone, they covered a staggering 53,783.30 miles, making them the only team from the Metropolitan Division to make the top 10 in travel distance.

Bunch Of Jerks

The Carolina Hurricanes celebrate with their traditional "Storm Surge" after a win against the Edmonton Oilers at PNC Arena on February 27, 2022 in... — Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images

In 2019, commentator Don Cherry dubbed the Hurricanes a “bunch of jerks” for their creative post-win celebrations, known as Storm Surges. These playful antics included themes like fishing, boxing, lightsaber duels, and basketball. Though the Storm Surges have toned down, the team still enjoys celebrating victories with their fans in style.

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