It was a night to remember at PNC Arena as the Carolina Hurricanes not only secured a resounding 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, but also witnessed one of their own, Coach Rod Brind'Amour, receive the highest civilian honor in North Carolina— the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. This prestigious accolade was bestowed upon him by Governor Roy Cooper, a long-time supporter of the Hurricanes.
Honoring an Iconic Leader
As Brind'Amour stood proudly beside Governor Cooper, the significance of the moment resonated throughout the hockey community and beyond. Now in his seventh season as head coach, Brind'Amour has been more than just a guiding force for the team; he has been a pillar of passion and commitment to the franchise and the state. Having spent over a decade as a player and captaining the Hurricanes to their unforgettable Stanley Cup triumph in 2006, Brind'Amour’s influence transcends the rink.
Governor Cooper, in a heartfelt gesture, participated in the pre-game traditions, reading the starting lineup to energize the team. After the game, he entered the locker room, sharing a moment that underscored the coach's humility and team spirit. "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,” Cooper remarked, capturing Brind’Amour’s essence.
A Legacy of Impact
While Brind'Amour humbly downplays personal accolades, Governor Cooper articulated why this honor is so well-deserved. “What he has meant to North Carolina is extraordinary, both as a player, as a coach, as a parent, involvement in youth hockey,” Cooper stated. “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.”
Brind’Amour himself remained characteristically modest, emphasizing the collective over the individual: “It's not about me. We've got such a good group. I was a part of a group of great people all along.” This sentiment is emblematic of a leader who, despite formidable personal achievements, consistently focuses on the strength of the unit.
With Gratitude and Ambition
The recognition comes as Governor Cooper approaches the end of his second term, a tenure marked by a commitment to honoring distinguished figures in state sports, including legendary basketball coaches Mike Krzyzewski and soon, Roy Williams. At 67, Cooper’s love for the Hurricanes remains unwavering, and his call to Brind'Amour to “get that Stanley Cup this time” is not just a challenge but a belief in the potential that Brind’Amour and his team hold.
The evening was not just about honors and achievements but served as a reminder of the deep-rooted connection between the team, its leader, and the community. As the Hurricanes bask in their well-earned victory against the Blue Jackets, they move forward with the knowledge that they are guided by a coach who embodies the spirit of North Carolina—resilient, unified, and ever-ambitious.
As the fans dispersed from the arena, the message was clear: Rod Brind'Amour’s journey with the Hurricanes is far from over, and his impact, both on and off the ice, will continue to inspire generations to come.