The Storm Surge had one extra participant at the Carolina Hurricanes season opener.
The team took their usual spots for the celebration at center ice before their season opener against the Florida Panthers at Lenovo Center on Tuesday, but this time the Stanley Cup was in the middle of it all.
The defending Cup champion Hurricanes left the trophy in the center as they performed the traditional clap along with fans in attendance.
As it reached its crescendo, Hurricanes captain and 2026 Conn Smythe winner Jordan Staal skated into the middle and hoisted the trophy above his head.
The entire team crowded around, touching the Cup until Staal skated out of the circle and raised it toward the fans one final time before the Canes tried to do it all over again.
