Editor's note -- The NHL.com crew had to leave North Carolina the day after the Hurricanes won the Stanley Cup to be in Vancouver for the NHL Awards and Entry Draft. So, we turned to our favorite "Caniac", Matt Casulli, to report in from the team's celebration at the RBC Center. Here is his report.
-- Phil Coffey
RALEIGH, N.C. -- Less than 24 hours removed from seeing my Carolina Hurricanes emerge victorious from a hard fought series, it's time to hit the parade route. Before that, allow me to digress.
Going back to the unofficial skates before training camp, I saw this team had something special. People moaned and groaned over not having a big name, but I (among others) saw that we had something paper doesn't show -- chemistry. I was confident we'd make the playoffs, but going all the way? I didn't dare make such a bold prediction. I'm not so sure its quite sunk in: seeing a Game 7 in the Stanley Cup Final is dramatic enough to make a grown man weep; let alone seeing the Cup and the Conn Smythe Trophy awarded to a team you've followed all season. Add on a crowd that stood the entire game, louder than anything I have ever heard, and you've got a memory that will last a lifetime.
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A quick congrats to any of the guys that may see this, it's been one heck of a ride. Also to Doug Weight, Rod Brind'Amour and Glen Wesley for reaching their dreams in the waning years of their careers. And to Cam Ward, who began his own chapter of history with a stellar performance. I turned to my seatmate, Rachael, during the game after a late save and said, "He's the second coming of Patrick Roy." So appropriately, she replied, "No, he's the first coming of Cam Ward." I can't wait to see these guys next year. On to the parade!
The lots at the arena opened at 4 p.m. with festivities scheduled to begin around 5 p.m., unfortunately not as much time as we are used to for tailgating purposes. From the time I arrived until about 5:15, I spent my time fighting the massive crowds trying to get memorabilia. I began at "The Eye", the arena's team store, which had been packed all day from what I had heard from friends and store employees, trying to get my championship gear. Then I decided I had to get a souvenir pint glass and team poster. The line for that was reminiscent of a Great Depression bread line, but it was worth the 45-minute wait. I brought my new stuff back to my car and decided to wander the "parade ground" taking in the sights. There was less tailgating than there is for games, probably because of the short amount of time available. There were various concessions set up around the area, so nobody starved. Around 5:30 or so, I met up with friends Patty and Todd while a band took the stage to entertain us; I believe their name was Fantasy (seemingly appropriate). The parade began around 6:15 or 6:30 at the Wendell Murphy Center, home of the NC State Wolfpack football operations, and meandered around the Carter-Finley Stadium and RBC Center property. The parade took about 45 minutes, and the various players started filing into the stage area. Hurricanes TV play-by-play man John Forslund took over as Master of Ceremonies and began introducing various officials and dignitaries. One significant quote stands out in my mind. I believe it was the chairman of the Centennial Authority (the group in charge of the land the RBC Center is built on) who told of strong storms from Canada called "Alberta Clippers." He went on to say, "In Edmonton they came down here expecting to blow us away... but they forgot it's Hurricane season!"
Following the short speeches from the dignitaries, Forslund introduced the team behind the team. I think everyone's favorite skate sharpener, Wally Tatomir, got the biggest cheer from the crowd.
Then came the team, who were introduced in numerical order, beginning with Aaron Ward, and closed with Cam Ward carrying his new piece of hardware, the Conn Smythe, followed by Glen Wesley carrying the Prince of Wales Trophy, and finally Rod Brind'Amour hoisting Lord Stanley's Cup much to the crowd's delight. "Coach Lavi" spoke briefly before handing the stage over to the Captain. Brind'Amour spoke to the fans being ever so gracious for the support we threw behind this team from the lockout until now. Then the team huddles around for a group photo, with confetti flying all around the stage area. Then came fireworks coming from behind the stage, capping off a great victory.
It has been an amazing start to summer, and draft day is right around the corner. The best part is: our off-season is only two months long. Then, we get to do it all over again!
