Canes Cap Memorable Moms' Trip With Tampa Triumph

RALEIGH, N.C. - The Stanley Cup is often referred to as the hardest trophy to win in sports. The road to it is hard and long. The road leading to the opportunity to get to compete for it is even harder and longer.

"Running the first race," as Rod Brind'Amour likes to put it, can get tiresome and monotonous. There are 82 games to play, of course, but for a group like the Canes, who have been in line for an eighth consecutive postseason appearance from essentially the get-go of things, it's important to find ways to keep things fresh, fun, and exciting along the way.

The past few days have been a prime example of just that, as the roster brought special guests to town for their biennial Moms' Trip.

Designed to treat them in a first-class manner and return the favor for all of the efforts that helped each one of them pave their path to becoming the NHLers they are today, it's also an opportunity for the players to pull back the curtain and operate as a "Take Your Mom To Work Day".

18 guests made their way to Raleigh for this year's edition of the trip, some filtering in as early as last week.  From Thursday to Sunday, each was able to spend time with their baby boy and create a few more moments along the way.

For some moms, like Linda Staal, it certainly was not her first rodeo. With four sons having played in the league, it might be easier to count the years she hasn't been on a Moms' Trip than count the ones she has.

The Captain's mother was in attendance for the team's 2024 version of the trip, but this time around, she was joined by a few new faces, including Rose Mary Jankowski.

"It's just been wonderful to be here and to experience it with him and the other moms," Jankowski said on Thursday after getting to watch her son score a goal from the seats inside Lenovo Center. "Watching him from when he was a young child, to being here in-person, you can't describe it."

As the group of moms got to spend time together and form their own bond over the past few days, it was easy to see why some relationships within the locker room are as strong as they are.

"[All of the moms] are amazing. It's just so wonderful to get to know them because we all share the same experiences with our kids, and it's just been so special to get to know each one of them," Mark's mom continued.

Able to comfort their boys after Thursday night didn't go their way, the damper of the trip was out of the way early, and the good times rolled from there.

Attending practice on Friday before boarding the chartered plane to Tampa, the collective then enjoyed dinner together at Bern's Steakhouse. Pre-game on Saturday, the ladies took to the water for a boat tour and some sunshine before making their way to Benchmark International Arena.

Inside, it was a show.

Claiming a lead in the opening minute and establishing themselves in the driver's seat early was certainly enjoyable, but the natural mom worries then assuredly kicked in when the Lightning had tied the contest at the end of 40 minutes. The moms didn't raise quitters, though, and looking on from a suite, the crew yelled and cheered in support of yet another third-period win.

Like the 2024 Moms' Trip, Jordan Martinook came up big again.

Two years ago, it was his mom, Wendy, in the stands at TD Garden when the veteran winger scored the late game-winner. But with Wendy unable to make the trip this time around, Martinook showcased his skill for his sister, Ashlee.

The emotional post-game interview, with her by his side, was once again must-see.

"I just like having my people around. I always get choked up," the alternate captain said as he did his best not to tear up. "I just love having family around. She's obviously five years older than me and kind of like a second mom my whole life. She spent hours and hours in the rink with me and probably had some times along the way where she wanted to go do things, but she came and was riding shotgun to my dream. I just appreciate her, and I love her so much. It's a special bond."

In addition to Martinook, the victory was especially sweet for those who had their mom travel a long way, including Frederik Andersen. Picking up his third consecutive win in net, the often impassive backstop was brimming with joy knowing his mom, Charlotte, was there to witness it.

"It's great. It's hard [for her] to get all the way over here, and it's really special to have all of our moms here," the Dane said. "For me, personally, to have my mom be a part of it, it's awesome. We've enjoyed ourselves, and I'm sure they have too."

Sure to be looked back on as one of the best memories of the season, it was exactly what the head coach, who enjoyed a milestone win himself in his 600th game behind the bench, had hoped for.

"We all know how involved parents are with their children, but hockey parents, to make it here, both parents have to sacrifice a ton," Brind'Amour said. "To give them a little love, I think, is really special."