In a victory that seemed to reverberate well beyond the rink, Rod Brind'Amour, the steadfast head coach of the Carolina Hurricanes, was bestowed with North Carolina’s highest civilian honor, the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. In a heartfelt ceremony, Governor Roy Cooper praised Brind'Amour’s enduring contributions to the sport and the community, both on and off the ice.
A Night to Remember
The ceremony took place following a triumphant 4-1 win for the Carolina Hurricanes over the Columbus Blue Jackets. Adding a personal touch to the event, Governor Cooper, a devoted supporter of the Hurricanes, read the starting lineup to the team beforehand, infusing the locker room with a sense of community and purpose. Cooper’s longstanding connection with the franchise was palpable, as he shared, “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.”
An Extraordinary Legacy
Brind'Amour, now in his seventh season as head coach, has left an indelible mark on the organization. He spent a decade as a player with the franchise, captaining the team to their first Stanley Cup victory in 2006. Reflecting on his journey, Brind'Amour humbly stated, “It's not about me. We've got such a good group. I was a part of a group of great people all along.” His approach epitomizes a leadership style that places the team above individual accolades, fostering a culture of unity and resilience.
A Coach for the Community
Beyond his professional achievements, Brind'Amour’s impact on North Carolina extends into youth hockey and community activities, a point emphasized by Governor Cooper. “What he has meant to North Carolina is extraordinary, both as a player, as a coach, as a parent, involvement in youth hockey,” Cooper remarked. He acknowledged how the Hurricanes have brought numerous jobs to the region, and under Brind'Amour's guidance, the team has cultivated a culture of winning.
Governor Cooper's Tenure and Honors
As Governor Cooper approaches the end of his second term, constrained by term limits, he looks back on a legacy of honoring local sports icons. Before Brind'Amour, he conferred the Order of the Long Leaf Pine on Mike Krzyzewski and soon plans to honor Roy Williams, reaffirming his dedication to celebrating the state’s rich sports history. At 67, Cooper’s enduring passion for North Carolina sports remains undiminished.
A Call to Action
As the festivities concluded, Governor Cooper issued a rousing challenge to Brind'Amour, urging him to lead the Hurricanes to another championship, “Coach, it's time to get that Stanley Cup this time.” This impassioned call to action echoes the hopes and dreams of Hurricane fans across the state.
The evening’s celebration was more than a mere award ceremony; it was a testament to the profound impact that sports can have in binding a community together. In honoring Rod Brind'Amour, both the man and the moment captured the essence of what makes the Carolina Hurricanes and their steadfast coach integral to the fabric of life in North Carolina.