Governor Roy Cooper Honors Carolina Hurricanes Coach Rod Brind'Amour

As the festive excitement of hockey night buzzed through the air at PNC Arena, a heartwarming moment off the ice captured the essence of sportsmanship and local pride. Before the Carolina Hurricanes secured their decisive 4-1 victory over the Columbus Blue Jackets, coach Rod Brind'Amour was honored with the Order of the Long Leaf Pine, North Carolina’s highest civilian accolade. The award was presented by none other than Governor Roy Cooper, a long-time staunch supporter of the Hurricanes.

Brind’Amour’s contribution to the franchise and the broader community has been nothing short of impactful. In recognition of this, Governor Cooper expressed the sentiment so many share: “What he has meant to North Carolina is extraordinary, both as a player, as a coach, as a parent, involvement in youth hockey.” Indeed, Brind’Amour’s history with the Hurricanes is a storied one, spanning from his decade-long tenure as a player to his current role, now in its seventh season, as head coach.

During his playing days, Brind’Amour captained the team to its first Stanley Cup victory in 2006, a feat still cherished by the Hurricanes’ faithful. His leadership has seamlessly transitioned from the ice to behind the bench, creating a legacy characterized by dedication and resilience. “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,” Governor Cooper remarked, acknowledging Brind’Amour’s role in nurturing the team’s growth and consistent performance.

The night was made even more special by Governor Cooper’s personal involvement in the team's pre-game ritual. Taking an active role, he read out the starting lineup to the team, bridging his passion for the sport into this symbolic gesture. According to Cooper himself, Brind'Amour’s selflessness was reluctance incarnate to accept the spotlight. 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.”

As his term as governor nears its completion due to term limits, the 67-year-old Cooper continues to celebrate North Carolina's outstanding individuals. Brind’Amour joins a prestigious list of recipients who've received the same honor, including the likes of Mike Krzyzewski, and soon-to-be honored, Roy Williams. This latest recognition further cements the bond between the franchise and the state—two entities growing together on and off the ice.

Brind’Amour, in his characteristic humility, shifted the spotlight away from personal achievements to acknowledge the collective spirit that defines the Hurricanes. “It's not about me. We've got such a good group. I was a part of a group of great people all along.” Such sentiments underline the reason he is a revered figure in the sporting community, a beacon of modesty whose contributions have transcended the game itself.

The evening was rounded off with a decisive performance on the ice, an outcome that no doubt delighted both players and the supporters alike. For Governor Cooper, this victory wasn't just about securing points on the board; it was also about looking towards the future. As he handed the accolade to Brind’Amour, Cooper quipped encouragingly, “Coach, it's time to get that Stanley Cup this time.”

This sentiment encapsulates the optimism and high hopes that the state has for its beloved team. As the Hurricanes continue their season under Brind’Amour’s guidance, fans eagerly anticipate more moments of triumph and camaraderie. Through victories and personal achievements alike, the bond between the Hurricanes and their community remains stronger than ever, bolstered by leaders both on the ice and in the annals of North Carolina's esteemed honors.