A HOUSE RESOLUTION honoring THE CAROLINA HURRICANES HOCKEY TEAM, WINNER OF THE STANLEY CUP, as CHAMPIONS OF THE NATIONAL HOCKEY LEAGUE.
Whereas, the Carolina Hurricanes, representing the great State of North Carolina, were originally founded as the Whalers and relocated from Hartford, Connecticut, to Raleigh, North Carolina, in 1997, becoming a cornerstone of professional sports in the State; and
Whereas, the Carolina Hurricanes completed a historic 2025‑2026 National Hockey League regular season with 53 wins, 22 losses, and 7 overtime losses, claiming the Metropolitan Division championship for the fourth time in six seasons, claiming the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference for the first time in franchise history, scoring a franchise‑record 291 goals, with seven players scoring 20 or more goals, establishing themselves as one of the most complete teams in the entire league through elite defense, relentless forechecking, veteran leadership, and exceptional goaltending; and
Whereas, Head Coach Rod Brind'Amour, has been involved as a player or coach in 102 of Carolina's 104 all‑time playoff victories, and guided this team to eight consecutive playoff berths, including back‑to‑back deep runs and now a Stanley Cup championship; and
Whereas, the Hurricanes dominated through the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs with 16 wins and three losses, sweeping the Ottawa Senators and the Philadelphia Flyers, eliminating the Montreal Canadiens in the conference finals in five games and defeating the Vegas Golden Knights in six games to secure the Stanley Cup for the second time in franchise history; and
Whereas, team captain Jordan Staal won the Conn Smythe Trophy as the Most Valuable Player of the 2026 Stanley Cup Playoffs, finishing the postseason with 12 points, including a franchise‑record six goals in the Final; and
Whereas, the Hurricanes' remaining offensive corps mounted a deep, well‑balanced attack built on relentless forechecking, possession dominance, and versatile scoring; the defensive corps operated as a highly mobile, puck‑moving, and aggressive unit; and the goaltenders delivered a legendary performance in the playoffs; and
Whereas, team owner Tom Dundon, and many, many others, have all had an instrumental role in the Canes' quest for the Cup; and
Whereas, the Carolina Hurricanes have been a consistent beacon of pride for the citizens of North Carolina, fostering community engagement, youth hockey programs, and civic pride in Raleigh and across the entire State; Now, therefore,
Be it resolved by the House of Representatives:
SECTION 1.  The North Carolina General Assembly honors the accomplishments and dedication of the Carolina Hurricanes Hockey Club, its owner, and management in winning the 2026 Stanley Cup, in being a true partner with the State in community and charitable service, and for its perseverance, dedication, and sportsmanlike character during an exemplary season, thrilling playoff, and exhilarating championship.
SECTION 2.  The Principal Clerk shall transmit a certified copy of this resolution to each member of the Carolina Hurricanes Hockey Club and the team's owner, Tom Dundon, and head coach, Rod Brind'Amour.
SECTION 3.  This resolution is effective upon adoption.