Brind'Amour Honored as Canes Triumph Over Blue Jackets
The Carolina Hurricanes celebrated a night of dual victories at PNC Arena, emerging with a commanding 4-1 win over the Columbus Blue Jackets while also witnessing a moment of special recognition for their head coach, Rod Brind'Amour. In a ceremony laced with sentiment and respect, Brind'Amour was bestowed the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian accolade, by Governor Roy Cooper.
The honor, conferred before an enthusiastic home crowd, highlighted Brind'Amour's exceptional contributions to both the Hurricanes and the state. Governor Cooper, a dedicated Hurricanes supporter, did the honors just after the game let out. He praised Brind'Amour not only for his remarkable tenure as a player — during which he captained the Hurricanes to their first Stanley Cup in 2006 — but also for his impactful presence off the ice.
"What he has meant to North Carolina is extraordinary," Governor Cooper remarked, reflecting on Brind'Amour's multifaceted role beyond just his coaching duties. "Both as a player, as a coach, as a parent, involvement in youth hockey. When you think about all of the jobs the Carolina Hurricanes have brought to North Carolina and their success... This guy has created a culture of winning.”
An Exemplary Legacy
Now in his seventh season at the helm, Brind'Amour’s leadership has profoundly shaped the Hurricanes, fostering a formidable squad recognized for its resilience and cohesion. His legacy extends beyond the rink, as evidenced by Governor Cooper's acknowledgment of Brind'Amour's influence in the broader community. Brind'Amour’s humility shone through in his acceptance of the honor, emphasizing the team ethos that has become a cornerstone of his career.
"It's not about me. We've got such a good group," Brind'Amour expressed. "I was a part of a group of great people all along." This sentiment was echoed by Cooper, who humorously divulged his trepidation in honoring Brind'Amour with personal accolades, revealing, “I went into the locker room after the game and told the players that this guy wouldn't want me to do what I was about to do because this guy is all about his players and all about team.”
A Night to Remember
The energy inside the arena was palpable as Governor Cooper, an ever-present figure at Hurricanes home games, took on an unusual role — reading the starting lineup to the team pre-game. This small gesture underscored his longstanding affinity with the franchise, as his tenure as governor nears its conclusion due to term limits.
Under Cooper’s administration, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine has recognized several sports luminaries, including Duke’s legendary Mike Krzyzewski, and soon, Roy Williams. As he approaches the end of his gubernatorial term, Cooper, now 67, continues to leave his mark on the state's sporting legacy.
A Hopeful Promise
Governor Cooper’s parting words for Brind'Amour resonated with optimism for the future, "Coach, it's time to get that Stanley Cup this time." Such encouragement speaks volumes of Cooper’s hopes for Brind'Amour to replicate the championship success he achieved as a player now in his coaching role.
The Hurricanes’ latest victory over the Blue Jackets certainly hints at the possibility. The team reinforced their prowess on the ice, driven by a robust defense and nimble offense. As the franchise keeps its sights on another Stanley Cup chase, the recognition of Brind'Amour serves as a motivational boost, celebrating a past of achievements while looking ahead to future triumphs.
With Governor Cooper's commendation still fresh, the Hurricanes community savors this dual celebration—a reflection on Brind'Amour's enduring impact and a tribute to the bright prospects awaiting his team. As the Hurricanes skate into the season, their eyes fixed firmly on the sport's greatest prize, they do so united under the leadership of a coach who exemplifies a winning culture both on and off the ice.